



Book ' I 


Copyright N° *23 


COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT, 



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THE DAWN OF 
A NEW ERA 

BY 

ANNIE McCALLUM FLATT 



BOSTON 

RICHARD G. BADGER 

THE GORHAM PRESS 



Copyright, 1920, by Richard G. Badger 


All Rights Reserved 


£‘r 



htb 24 1920 


Made in the United States of America 


The Gorham Press, Boston, U. S. A. 


§)CI. A565122 


THIS BOOK IS LOVINGLY DEDICATED 
TO THE MEMORY OF MY 
GRANDMOTH E R 

MRS. ANN HAWES HUMPHREYS 

WHOSE LIFE HAS INSPIRED ME 
TO WRITE THESE MIGHTY TRUTHS 



















































/ 







THE DAWN OF A NEW ERA 


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I 


THE DAWN OF A NEW ERA 


CHAPTER I 

H EY, there, Syb ! Where do you think 
you’re going?” cried a merry, boyish voice 
as the tall, slender figure of Jack Carpenter swung 
into view from around the corner of Fifth and 
Bradford. 

The girl he accosted was small and very beau- 
tiful. She was walking quickly, with the rich 
color of perfect health glowing in her soft, round 
cheeks. The smile she gave the young fellow in 
answer to his words warmed his very soul. 

“I’m on my way to the library, Mr. Jackie. 
And where have you started?” 

“I’d started over to see you ” 

“All right — wait here just a minute, and I’ll be 
back.” She started to go, but he stopped her. 

“Let me go with you to the library ” he 

began. 

“O, I can’t, Jack. I’ve a little private business 
to attend to,” smiling half shyly up into his face. 
“You stay here and I won’t be gone half a second. 
Good-by,” and she was gone. 

Jack stood where she had left him, a thought- 
7 


8 


The Dawn of a New Era 


ful little frown gathering between his brows. A 
man in passing jostled him, but he did not seem 
to be aware of it. His mind was far away — on 
the girl who had so rapidly turned from him. 
She was the daughter of old General Huntington, 
as brave a general and as gallant a soldier as ever 
entered on a battle-field. Jack’s father and Gen- 
eral Huntington had been business partners all of 
their lives, and he and Sybil had been playmates 
and sweethearts ever since he could remember. 

Always, she had been his confidante; always, 
he had gone to her with his joys and sorrows, his 
triumphs and defeats, partly because she was ever 
sympathetic and compassionate, partly because his 
mother had died in his infancy and he had turned 
to Sybil as his next dearest and best friend. 

He was aroused from his revery by a light 
touch and a jolly laugh. 

“My, but you were looking serious,” the low, 
musical voice mocked. “I think you must have 
been utterly oblivious of the whole world and the 
fullness thereof — you almost frightened me.” 

Jack grinned and blushed guiltily. “I was 
thinking of you,” he confessed frankly. 

“Were you?” the teasing voice went on. “I’m 
sure I feel highly honored; but let’s don’t stand 
here on the street; you said you had started over 
to see me, so come along.” They started up the 


The Dawn of a New Era 


9 


street, and as they did so Jack saw the letter in 
her hand for the first time. 

“Who’s it from, Syb?” he asked, and there 
was fear underlying his words. 

She flushed slightly and held it up for him to 
see. It was postmarked Kentucky and her name 
and address were written in big, bold letters. 
Jack knew at once who had written it, and despite 
himself his face flamed up with jealousy. 

“Let me read it,” he demanded suddenly. 

The girl only shook her head laughingly. 

“It’s been only lately that you’ve kept any 
secrets from me, Syb ; you know I never keep any 
from you. Why do you do it?” 

“Please don’t get cross, Jack. If you’re so 
anxious to know what’s in the letter, I’ll tell you. 
It’s from Mr. Stuart; I sent him an invitation to 
my dance, and he sends me this letter telling me 
that he accepts.” 

“Good Lord! I believe I hate that fellow 
worse than any mortal God ever created. Why 
did you ask him?” 

“Because I wanted to — I like him, and I can’t 
help it if you don’t,” she tossed her head de- 
fiantly. 

“You like him too darn well,” he continued 
bitterly, “and he’s the most conceited cuss I’ve 
had the pleasure to run up against in many a long 
day — and the brass of the big brute, too. He 


10 


The Damn of a New Era 


thinks what he doesn’t know isn’t worth knowing ! 
Did you notice the self-complacent air with which 
he walked down the aisle after he had made that 
tremendous blow-out of a speech in defense of 
that criminal that ought to have been hanged 


“Well, he’s the handsomest man I ever saw, 
anyhow, Jack Carpenter,” she defended. 

“He thinks he’s handsome — he’s sure stuck on 
himself — and the big fool thinks every girl in 
town is crazy about him.” 

“That also is true.” 

“It’s not!” 

“How dare you dispute my word!” she flashed. 

“Forgive me, Syb,” he begged humbly. “Can’t 
you understand that I can’t bear to think that you 
care for any fellow except me? Can’t you under- 
stand that I’m — I hate to say it — I’m jealous as 
the devil of that lawyer up in Kentucky. You 
don’t love him, Syb, tell me you don’t.” He was 
gazing down into her brown eyes with burning 
intensity. All the love that a good man gives to 
a pure, beautiful girl showed in their depths. 

“O, don’t worry about anything serious result- 
ing from my acquaintance with Mr. Stuart; he’s 
probably engaged to some pretty girl in Ken- 
tucky,” she smiled reassuringly. “Now, let’s not 
discuss him any longer. Here we are at home,” 
as they came in view of a tall, stately mansion 


The Dawn of a New Era n 

towering majestically from its position in the cen- 
ter of the lawn where grand old elms, oaks, and 
willow trees were grouped in silent splendor. 

“Won’t you come in, Jack?” Sybil asked pleas- 
antly. 

“No, thank you, Syb; I thought I would, but 
it’s getting late, and I’d better not. Good-by.” 

“Nonsense! Come in at once.” 

They had been mounting the stone steps as she 
spoke, and now he held the door open for her as 
she entered. He followed her immediately. The 
home of the Huntington’s was large and beauti- 
ful — a veritable old Southern palatial mansion. 
General Huntington had had it remodeled after 
the war, and it was now even more splendid and 
magnificent than it had heretofore been. 

Sybil led the way to a vine-arbor, and seated 
herself beside Jack in a hammock. 

“It’s heaven to be out here with you,” he began. 
“I’d ask for no greater bliss than to be near you 
always ” 

“What a sentimental boy he is! I know you 
don’t mean a word of it.” Her laughing eyes 
challenged him. “Besides, let’s talk of something 
besides love all the time.” 

“O, Syb, can’t you be serious for just a mo- 
ment? I’m in no mood for frivolity to-day; I 
have never been more earnest in my life. You 
know, Syb, darling, my greatest desire on earth 


12 The Dawn of a New Era 

has been and always shall be to have you for my 
own little wife, my very own to have and to hold 
forever, and somehow a strange feeling of doubt 
has taken possession of me lately, a strange fear 
that I can’t fathom and that is tearing my very 
heart-strings. O, Syb, my own little sweetheart, 
tell me that there is no one living that can come 
between us.” He took her dainty little hands in 
his and pressed them with ardent fervor. “Syb, 
can’t you marry me now?” 

“Don’t, Jack,” and she quickly rose to her feet. 
“You have so many things before you,” she went 
on feverishly. “You don’t need me yet ” 

He had arisen, and was clasping her hands 
tightly in his. At her last words, he only pressed 
them closer and started to protest vehemently, 
but she stopped him. 

“Jack, Jack, you forget the great opportunities 
that are yours. Think of your unusual talents, 
your great wealth.” 

“Syb, all I want in this great world I am hold- 
ing in my hands right now.” 

She quickly withdrew her hands. “I’ll answer 
you some other time, Jack,” she said nervously. 
“I must go in now, it’s getting late. Mother will 
be getting uneasy. Won’t you come in the house?” 

He slowly shook his head as he looked at her 
hungrily. How he loved her! 

“Good-by, Jack,” he heard her say. “Come 


The Dawn of a New Era 


13 


to see me soon; I’ve some new songs that we can 
try over.” She hurried past him and disappeared 
into the house. 

“I wish I didn’t worship her so ! If she really 
cares for that fellow, Stuart, I think it’ll about 
kill me. I can’t — can’t bear this suspense much 
longer,” he sighed as he walked slowly away. 


CHAPTER II 


G eneral john j. Huntington 

had had extensive business interests in and 
around Charlotte, a little southern town in Ten- 
nessee, for many years, and was very influential 
in both the social and religious life of that com- 
munity. 

General Huntington was a large man of dig- 
nified bearing, with a firm mouth and chin that 
plainly expressed determination and strength. At 
times, his gentle, refined little wife was almost 
afraid of his stern, austere manner, though he 
was always good and kind to her. 

“Isn’t it getting rather late for Sybil to be out, 
my dear?” asked General Huntington in a wor- 
ried tone to his wife. 

They were seated in the large living-room of 
their handsome home as he spoke. It was three 
days after Sybil’s encounter with Jack. 

No sooner had he spoken than the old Gen- 
eral felt soft-slender fingers cover his eyes, and a 
merry, musical voice exclaimed: “Guess who?” 
“That’s my baby; kiss me!” 

Sybil was their only child, two others having 
14 


The Dawn of a New Era 15 

died in infancy, and now this lovely young girl 
was their pride and joy. 

“Where have you been?” asked her father, 
smiling down into the winsome face. “We have 
just dined, and missed our little girl’s cheerful 
company greatly.” 

“O, Dad, you forget I’m not your little girl 
any longer,” she interrupted quickly. “I will soon 
be a big, grown-up lady and folks will call me 
‘Miss Sybil.’ ” 

“I do hate to see my little girl get grown,” he 
said tenderly. “It almost breaks her old dad’s 
heart.” 

“You will have to be very careful, ‘Miss Hunt- 
ington,’ when you go abroad next summer,” her 
mother said merrily; “you will have to be very, 
very careful.” 

“Don’t — don’t you call me that!” the girl cried, 
pretending to be very angry. “Do you hear? I 
won’t stand for it !” 

Her mother smiled fondly. “Dearie, I don’t 
see how I am to part with you next summer,” she 
said. “Of course, I wouldn’t have you miss your 
trip for anything, but the place will seem so lonely 
without your bright presence to cheer it. Still, 
you must go, and your father and I have been 
planning it all afternoon. You must cultivate 
your voice, especially. I think you have the most 
beautiful one I have ever heard.” 


1 6 The Dawn of a New Era 

“Love sees through rose-colored glasses, 
mother, dear,” the young voice said quietly. 

“Perhaps, my dear, but every one acknowl- 
edges that you have an exceptional voice. I think 
you will make a fortune with it some day.” 

“I don’t want to make a fortune.” 

“All right, darling, but you can sing beautifully 
anyhow. Who would you like to accompany you 
on your trip? The General and I have been rack- 
ing our brains for a suitable chaperon.” 

“I don’t want to go abroad,” the girl said 
slowly. “I have decided to stay right here with 
you and Dad.” 

“Look at me, Sybil,” she heard her father say 
sternly. 

Sybil had made up her mind a short time ago 
that she would not make the trip, but had put off 
telling her parents, from day to day, fearing their 
displeasure. She knew their hearts had been set 
on this trip, and now as her father spoke, she 
faced him instantly, but with a trembling heart. 

“Yes, Daddy,” she smiled, in a vain attempt to 
speak brightly. 

“How about this big lawyer from Kentucky? 
He hasn’t been putting any fool ideas into your 
pretty head, has he?” He looked at her keenly. 
“I don’t quite understand his frequent visits here. 
I’ll admit he’s a fine-looking fellow, but what do 
you know about him or his people?” 


The Dawn of a New Era 


17 


Sybil blushed, but replied firmly: “I know he’s 
a perfect gentleman, Daddy, dear.” 

“You know nothing of the kind,” the old gentle- 
man retorted impatiently. “Don’t encourage his 
coming here too much.” 

“Why, Mr. Stuart’s splendid, Daddy!” she de- 
fended hotly. “Everybody is talking about that 
magnificent speech he made in the Douglass case 
last court; and I think he is the most clever young 
man I’ve talked to in a long time.” She hesitated 
a moment, then changed her tone. “Mr. Stuart 
is just a friend of mine — that’s all. I don’t think 
seriously of any one but you and Mother. Now, 
kiss me, and I’ll go and eat dinner, for I’m hungry 
as a bear.” 

They kissed her and General Huntington said 
lovingly, “All right, pet, run along, and when you 
have finished dinner come back and play and sing 
Dad’s favorite.” 

He watched the slender, graceful figure dis- 
appear, and, turning to his wife, remarked, “Do 
you think it possible that she cares more for that 
big lawyer than for Jack?” 

“I’m inclined to believe Sybil is very interested 
in Mr. Stuart,” his wife replied thoughtfully. 
“He seems to be a poor boy and I think he has 
had a hard time trying to make a success. He 
appears to be very ambitious also, and Sybil 
wishes to encourage him. I think, however, when 


1 8 The Dawn of a New Era 

she has been away from him a while she will for- 
get him.” 

Sybil’s silvery voice interrupted them, “Mother, 
did you see the flowers Jack sent me. They’re 
perfectly beautiful. He’s a dear old boy.” She 
spoke affectionately. 

“Yes, I have seen them.” 

“Have you forgotten what I want, Baby?” in- 
terrupted her father. 

“No, Daddy, I haven’t forgotten; I’m ready 
right now.” 


CHAPTER III 


O N the glorious, moonlight night of Sybil 
Huntington’s eighteenth birthday, the old 
residence of the Huntingtons shone in all its splen- 
dor. The stately old trees reflecting their shadows 
on the perfectly kept lawns, the perfume from the 
lovely flower-borders, and the sweet strains of 
music from the orchestra floating on the breezes, 
were an inspiration to the arriving guests. 

Inside the brilliantly lighted mansion could be 
heard the jolly voices and merry laughter of the 
happy young people. The young hostess had 
never appeared more beautiful than on this occa- 
sion. She was dressed in a delicately tinted gown 
of chiffon and taffeta. Her silky, golden-brown 
hair was done in a simple psyche at the back of 
her perfect head, and, falling loosely about her 
forehead, it seemed to form a frame around the 
lovable, laughing brown eyes which were on fire 
with excitement to-night. Her only jewels were 
an exquisite rope of pearls around her white 
throat. 

Her slender little figure was the embodiment 
of youth and grace, and with her sweet, winning 
19 


20 The Dawn of a New Era 

smile and refined, cultured manner, Gilbert Stuart, 
watching her every move, thought her a picture 
of maidenly perfection. Sybil had written him 
that she would be glad to have him come on this 
occasion and meet some of her friends. With 
a heart full of joy, he had responded to her in- 
vitation. 

“Who is the man with the handsome face and 
noble physique looking at Sybil so adoringly ?” 
asked Mable Greene of her companion. 

“Why, that’s Mr. Gilbert Stuart, the talented 
young lawyer of western Kentucky. He’s a bril- 
liant speaker, if I’m a judge of oratory. I heard 
his speech in the Douglass case. By George, if it 
wasn’t the best thing I ever listened to,” answered 
Roy Parker, enthusiastically. 

“Isn’t he crazy about Sybil!” 

“You bet he is. She’s rather fond of him, too, 
I think.” 

“But Jack — how does he take it?” 

“Say, look here, let’s cut out this talk of 
people who aren’t thinking of us. You’re more 
interesting to me. I move we discuss you.” 

The girl blushed brightly, but the music started 
and they began dancing. 

“Sybil,” whispered Stuart, as the music stopped, 
“please let me talk to you during the next dance. 

I don’t want to dance, and I have something to 
say to you.” 


The Dawn of a New Era 


21 


Sybil smiled at him sweetly. “We won’t have 
time for that to-night. You must remember that 
I am hostess, Mr. Stuart.” 

“You know that I must leave in the morning 
and won’t see you again for a whole month. 
Please, let’s go out on the balcony,” he pleaded 
passionately. 

She shook her head. “I promised Jack the next 
dance.” 

Stuart bit his lip in annoyance. “Well, then, 
will you do as I ask after the dance with Jack?” 

“Perhaps; I can’t promise,” was the evasive 
answer, and she offered her arm to Jack, who 
gazed at her fondly as they disappeared through 
the crowd. 

“Darn that fresh cur! I’ll make it a point to 
see that he doesn’t have any more dances with 
Sybil to-night,” muttered Stuart under his breath. 

“Why aren’t you dancing, Mr. Stuart?” asked 
a fresh young voice, as Sybil’s best girl friend, 
Dorothy Courtney, approached him. Stuart 
turned instantly and offered her his hand. 

“You’re the very one I want to talk to; but, 
pardon me — do you want to dance?” 

“Not unless you do. I’m a little bit tired.” 

“Then it’s talk, is it? There are some mighty 
important things I want to ask you. Will you?” 
His tone dropped to one of earnestness. 

“Why, my dear Mr. Lawyer, I’ll be delighted 


22 The Dawn of a New Era 

to tell you anything I know,” Dorothy replied 
carelessly, with a laugh. 

“I’m coming right to the point then, no matter 
how I may astonish you. Tell me, is Miss Hunt- 
ington a flirt?” 

“Sybil — a flirt? You are funny, Mr. Lawyer. 
What put that notion into your handsome head?” 

“I see you are determined to joke,” he said, 
smiling. “Well, will you answer this? Do you 
think she really cares at all for me? I’ve been in 
love with her from the first time I saw her,” he 
continued, not giving her an opportunity to an- 
swer. “She’s just the ideal I’ve dreamed of all 
my life.” 

“Surely it isn’t so serious. Of course, Syb 
likes you. How could she help it?” with a saucy 
little toss of her head. 

Stuart laughed at that, but resumed in the same 
serious tone, “You know what I mean. Cer- 
tainly she ‘likes’ me, but I don’t want to know 
that. I want you, who are her best friend and 
with her constantly, to tell me whether she really 
cares for me; whether she cares for Carpenter 
more than me? I’ve begged and begged and she 
won’t tell me. Therefore, it’s up to you.” 

“Awfully sorry, Mr. Stuart, but I don’t be- 
tray confidences. You’ll have to keep on begging 
until she answers you.” 


The Dawn of a New Era 


23 

“All right. I’ll say you are a born and bred 
tormentor, Miss Courtney.” 

“O, no ! You painfully misjudge me,” she cried 
in a mock-serious tone. 

“You’ll at least let me know how long she has 
been acquainted with that fellow,” he began again 
after a while. 

“That fellow? I don’t understand,” she said 
sweetly. “O, perhaps it’s dear old Jackie you 
are referring to. Certainly, I’ll answer that, Mr. 
Stuart. Syb and Jack have been playmates and 
sweethearts ever since they were babies. He sim- 
ply adores her now.” 

“I’m perfectly aware of that. I hope she 
doesn’t return the feeling?” 

“She’s awfully fond of him.” 

“I’m going to stop questioning you. You’ll 
drive me mad with a few more such replies.” 

“Now, Mr. Stuart, answer me truthfully. 
Don’t you think Jack is a fine boy? How could 
Sybil refuse him with his great wealth and aristo- 
cratic family?” the girl demanded suddenly. 

“That should not be in the question if a woman 
truly loves a man. As for myself, I have no 
money, but I have something that is much better 
— undaunted energy and great ambition to excel,” 
he returned slowly, with a strange fire burning in 
his eyes. 


24 


The Dawn of a New Era 


Dorothy looked surprised. “Why, Mr. Stuart, 
those are Jack’s qualities exactly.” 

“I tell you Jack’s sole ambition in life is to 
make money; mine, to be a leader of men and I 
will be some day,” he added in a low tone. “I 
hope to be governor of my state before many 
years have passed.” 

“Is that so? Your aspirations are very high 
indeed, Mr. Stuart. I only hope you will realize 
them,” she said in a queer, incredulous tone. 

“Of course, Miss Courtney, you don’t believe 
me, but I hope some day to prove to you that 
what I am saying is the truth.” 

The music ceased and in a few moments Sybil’s 
laughing voice interrupted the conversation. 

“You two seem to be mightily interested in 
your discussion,” she laughed. 

“Hope we haven’t interrupted,” cried Jack, 
who was by her side. 

“O, no, not at all. We were watching for your 
return,” replied Stuart, quietly. 

“Were you? It didn’t appear that way,” 
laughed Sybil. 

“I think I’ve just about persuaded Sybil to fa- 
vor us with a song,” Jack remarked. 

“O do! Won’t that be grand?” Dorothy en- 
thused. 

Sybil glanced up at Stuart quickly with uncon- 
scious inquiry in her lustrous eyes. 


The Dawn of a New Era 25 

“I think it would be fine,” was the hasty 
answer. 

Before any one else had time to speak, a charm- 
ing lady of about fifty entered the group, and, 
glancing at Sybil, said: “Daughter, they keep 
insisting that you sing.” 

Sybil bade the others a merry farewell, and 
started toward the magnificent piano with her 
mother. As Mrs. Huntington lightly touched the 
keys, a hush fell on the great assembly of young 
people in anticipation of hearing Sybil Hunting- 
ton’s wonderful voice in song. The song was 
one of her mother’s favorites, entitled “Spring,” 
and one that Sybil sang with unusual feeling. The 
guests were held spell-bound as her sweet, bird- 
like voice rang out full and clear. 

Only once did Sybil cast her eyes toward 
Stuart, and as she did so, he felt as if some di- 
vine power had touched him, and his heart 
throbbed. 

“She shall be mine and mine alone, if I have 
to move Heaven and Hell to get her!” 


CHAPTER IV 


Y OU see I have kept my promise, Mr. 

Stuart,” said the happy voice as Sybil 
smiled up into his face. 

“Yes, but I knew you would. Sybil, that song 
you sang was the most wonderful thing I ever 
listened to in my life. Your priceless voice? 
Sweetheart, I imagined I was in Heaven with 
the angels about me, for the music in Heaven 
could be no more beautiful!” 

“Hush! You are quite overwhelming in your 
extravagant praise,” she laughed joyously. 

“I determined to own the bird that sang that 
song,” he continued vehemently. “Sybil, you 
have put me off long enough; you’ve driven me 
mad with your constant evading. When I ask you 
if you love me, you always reply meaninglessly. 
I love you better than life. Sweetheart, don’t 
you love me a little?” he pleaded in passionate 
tones. 

She felt instinctively that now she must be 
serious. She stole a glance at the tall, command- 
ing figure before her. How very, very handsome 
he was ! Sybil knew she loved him even as he 
26 


The Dawn of a New Era 27 

loved her. What a masterful way he had of 
speaking, yet how lovingly he addressed her! 
For a moment, Jack’s appealing, boyish face 
flashed over her. How it would hurt Jack if she 
should wed Stuart, but she did not love Jack as 
he wished and never could. Her admiration for 
him was great, and she liked him exceedingly, that 
was all. 

But with Stuart — her feeling for him was en- 
tirely different. She loved him as a woman loves 
the man she intends to marry. Sybil had never 
made known to any one her love for the big Ken- 
tucky lawyer, though not a few had guessed it. 
She knew her parents would object strongly. Mrs. 
Huntington liked Stuart and admired his talents; 
it ended there. She loved Jack as a son; and her 
father did also. He had always made her un- 
derstand that she was to marry Jack when she 
was old enough, and she had always declared that 
she cared nothing for Jack save as a friend, but 
he would laugh at her and tell her that girls did 
not marry for love these days anyhow. At that, 
Sybil would smile strangely and declare that she 
would never marry unless she loved the man she 
married, very much. 

From the first, Stuart had fascinated her, and, 
after she had been with him a few times, she 
began to fall in love with him, and now that she 


28 


The Dawn of a New Era 


had known him nearly a year, she almost wor- 
shiped him. 

“Sybil!” he broke in on her revery. “Dear, 
won’t you give me an answer! I leave before 
daylight in the morning. What an indescribable 
comfort it would be to me to have the sweet as- 
surance of your love, my darling. I know that 
it means much that you would have to give up 
to marry me, and I’m a selfish brute to ask you 
to do it, but oh, dearest, my great love pleads 
for me. I can not live without you ! You are my 
inspiration, my light, my joy. I worship you. 
Will you, Sybil ” 

The fair face flushed crimson, and she cast her 
eyes quickly down. 

“Sybil, darling, tell me you’ll be my very own, 
dear!” He caught her hands with fervent eager- 
ness and pressed them against his heart. With 
burning eyes, he gazed into her face and asked: 
“Don’t you love me a little, dearest?” 

“Yes; I love you with all my heart.” She hesi- 
tated a moment, “I have always loved you, al- 
ways.” 


CHAPTER V 


J ACK, have you seen Sybil?” 

“No, sir, not since she thrilled every one 
with that beautiful song a short while ago. Do 
you want her?” the boy replied in answer to Gen- 
eral Huntington’s inquiry. 

Jack was standing apart from the dancers near 
a window, with a strange, meditative look on his 
face. The old General’s face wore a frown as 
he answered. 

“I do. I’m afraid she’s with that lawyer from 
Kentucky. I tell you, Jack, she’s going with that 
Stuart too much,” and the old gentleman stamped 
his foot angrily. “I’m sorry he ever came here,” 
he added. “I believe she’s half in love with him 
now.” 

“I believe I’d just die if they were to marry,” 
Jack cried in low, desperate tones. 

“Tut, tut! It’s nothing serious. Marry 
Stuart! My only daughter marry a poor, un- 
known stranger. Sybil, who has been used to 
every comfort and luxury that money could buy 
all her life, marry a pauper!” The old man was 
29 


30 The Dawn of a New Era 

becoming excited. “No, my boy, she’ll never do 
that. When she gets ready to marry, it’s you or 
no one 1” 

“I wish I was as confident as you that she 
doesn’t care for Stuart. Oh, General Hunting- 
ton, no one can ever love Sybil as I love her, and 
have loved her all my life!” 

The General patted Jack reassuringly on the 
back. “Don’t worry, son. She’ll never wed Gil- 
bert Stuart; I’ll see to that. But where is she? 
Her guests are wanting her. Excuse me, Jack, 
and I’ll go search for her,” and with a fatherly 
smile, he left him. 

Jack sighed deeply, and an unaccountable feel- 
ing of hopelessness and foreboding came over 
him. 

“Sybil Huntington, what in hell’s the meaning 
of this? Explain yourself instantly, young 
woman!” cried Huntington, so angry and sur- 
prised he could scarcely control himself. 

He had searched everywhere for her and finally 
had come to the balcony where he found her en- 
circled in Stuart’s arms. Sybil’s face turned scar- 
let for a moment, as she quickly disengaged her- 
self. But before she could speak, Stuart’s low, 
calm voice rang out; 

“Your daughter has promised to marry me, 
General Huntington. Won’t you be the first to 
congratulate us?” 


The Dawn of a New Era 31 

“Congratulate you, the devil! I order you 
from these premises immediately, you fresh up- 
start! As for you, Sybil, I did not think you held 
yourself so cheap.” 

“I don’t understand you, Father. You must 
not speak to Mr. Stuart in this manner again. I 
have promised to become his wife, and I shall do 
so,” she spoke quietly, yet firmly. 

General Huntington seemed beside himself with 
rage. His hands shook so that he could barely 
hold his cane, and he cried in a trembling voice 
that he tried in vain to make steady: 

“My daughter, I will not listen to any such 
tomfoolery a second longer. Go instantly into 
the house to your guests, and, Gilbert Stuart, you 
leave this place before you are kicked out for 
putting such devilish ideas into my daughter’s 
head.” 

The dark, angry face of the big lawyer flushed 
grimly. “I am sorry you consider my proposal 
as you do, but if Sybil still remains true to me, I 
shall marry her. I will depart in a moment, but 
first I want a word with Sybil ” 

“Leave, I say! Go! You shall never speak 
to my daughter again. .So you don’t intend to go, 
eh? Then it will be my painful duty ” 

“Be careful, sir,” the deep voice said quietly, 
but the old man seemed not to hear him and was 


32 


The Dawn of a New Era 


preparing to carry out his threat when Sybil threw 
herself between them. 

“Father!” General Huntington fell back. 
“You will have to go now, my lover,” she whis- 
pered to Stuart. “But I’ll keep my promise. I 
am yours. I love you better than life ! When 
you come back, I’ll be ready. Now, sweetheart, 
good-by. I’ll be thinking of you every minute you 
are away.” 

He pressed her to him without a word, but his 
eyes spoke volumes, and, as he turned to go Hunt- 
ington’s voice roared passionately: 

“Get away from here! Do you hear? You 
scoundrel! You ” but Stuart had disap- 

peared. 

For a while after he had gone, neither father 
nor daughter said a word. The General had 
dropped wearily on a bench near him, with head 
bowed, and Sybil had stood over him, her eyes 
burning with a strange fire. Presently, she spoke : 

“Father, how can I ever forgive you for your 
cruel treatment of Mr. Stuart?” 

He arose and tried to reason with her, all his 
composure returning to him. 

r ‘My child, act sanely. You really care noth- 
ing for this fellow. Why, my daughter, he is 
nothing but a beggar. Have you forgotten Jack 
— forgotten how devoted he has always been to 


The Dawn of a New Era 33 

you? I can’t understand your pledging yourself 
to a man almost an entire stranger to you.” 

“I have known him a year. He is no stranger 
to me.” 

“What do you know of his family? You say 
you have known him a year. Has he ever told 
you who he is? Who his family are?” demanded 
the old General impatiently. 

“He has spoken of his mother often, and he 
worships her. His father is dead. He is poor, 
but I love him just the same,” she declared with 
a proud lift of her head, at the last words. 

“I tell you I won’t listen to any such non- 
sense,” he was speedily becoming angry again. 
“Your guests are waiting for you. This is a nice 
way to treat them, certainly. Put this tramp out 
of your mind and let’s return to the guests,” and 
he prepared to escort her in; but he had scarcely 
taken a step when she quickly stepped aside and 
confronted him, her eyes flashing with the light 
of battle. 

“A moment, Father! You and I must under- 
stand each other. I am no longer a child to be 
made to obey. I was eighteen to-day, and I am 
fully old enough to choose my own husband, there- 
fore I intend to do so. It will do you no good 
to interfere with me there. Also, understand 
once and for all that I will never marry Jack 
Carpenter. I have promised Gilbert to be his 


34 The Dawn of a New Era 

wife and I intend keeping that promise. I love 
him with every atom of my being, and will wed 
him. Do you hear? Do you quite, quite under- 
stand?” 

“I understand that you have gone absolutely 
insane,” the old General roared. 

“Yes, insane with love.” The voice was dreamy 
now, and she smiled unconsciously; then she added 
softly: “Father, forgive me for my angry words 
to you, but you must understand that I love Mr. 
Stuart and am going to marry him. I have al- 
ways told you that when I married it would be 
for love or not at all. You can’t wish me to 
marry Jack when I care nothing for him. I would 
be miserable ; such a union would be unthinkable ! 
Please, dear Daddy, be reasonable. I ” 

“I don’t desire to hear any more,” he broke in. 
“At last, I realize you are in earnest, and we 
must come to a thorough understanding. Your 
mother and I have always worshiped you; we 
have always humored every wish of your heart, 
whether that wish was wise or foolish. We never 
put the ban of authority on you. You have always 
done as you desired; but we have, my daughter, 
given you to realize that, when the time came 
for you to marry, you should wed Jack, or re- 
main single.” 

“But, Father, is that right? Do you think it 
right for parents to choose the life-partner of 


The Dawn of a New Era 35 

their child? Do you not think that should be left 
to her, who must abide forever with him? We 
are living in a free country, and above everything 
on earth we should be allowed to exercise that 
freedom in the great question of marriage. Did 
you choose Mother of your own free will, or did 
some one else say you must marry her whether or 
not you loved her? Was your marriage the re- 
sult of some one’s authority? Were you com- 
pelled to wed Mother, or was she compelled to 
wed you? I think not. You both were in love. 
That, and only that, was the cause of your union. 
Oh, Father, don’t make me miserable by your dis- 
approval. Don’t render me wretched by your 
objections. Father, Father ” 

“Your eloquent appeal does not in the slight- 
est measure move me, Sybil. I’m determined you 
shall not marry this beggar.” 

“Hush! You must not call him that.” 

“I’ll call the young devil what I wish. This 
is a hellish mess you’ve gotten into. I tell you, 
you shan’t have anything more to do with this imp 
of Satan.” 

Sybil remained silent, the slow color mounting 
to her fair forehead. 

“Do you hear me? Don’t stand there as 
though you were dreaming of the dog. Answer 
and tell me you reject him forever. Sybil, do 
you hear me?” 


36 The Dawn of a New Era 

“Yes, I hear you, and I have heard about 
enough. I didn’t want to become angry with you, 
Father. Is there no other way?” 

“There is not, unless you promise never to 
have further intercourse with Gilbert Stuart; and 
we haven’t much time to waste out here. Thirty 
minutes ago, your guests were asking for you. 
They want you. Be quick. Oh, my child, it is 
killing me to be harsh with you.” 

His voice was rapidly breaking. He could 
not bear to quarrel with the one being he loved 
best on earth. Yet the thought of Stuart made 
his blood boil. How could one so beautiful and 
talented as his only child throw herself away 
on such a one? Of course, he could see how she 
could be attracted to so handsome a man and ad- 
mire so splendid a physique, but he was a pauper, 
and Sybil had been reared in luxury. 

“You ask me to give up Mr. Stuart, Father, if 
I would have you love me. That I can not do,” 
the sweet voice was saying firmly, and the father 
gritted his teeth while his face grew black with 
anger. “Great as I prize your affection, I can 
not give up my lover.” 

“Very well, young woman, if you persist in 
your mad purpose, you must make up your mind 
to the forsaking of your mother and me forever. 
The moment you go from this house to wed Gil- 
bert Stuart, you are a stranger to us, no longer 


The Dawn of a New Era 37 

are you a child of ours. When you marry the 
man I hate, you must never expect recognition 
from us. We will then become as utter strangers 
to each other. You must choose now. Will you 
marry Stuart and give up your old mother and 
father, or will you put him out of your mind, and 
continue as our petted, indulged child? I will 
give you until morning to decide. Now, we must 
return to the guests. Come.” 

But she had fallen to the floor beside him, and 
was looking up into his face with such anguish 
as he had never before encountered in his life. 

“Daddy, Daddy, what are you saying? Are 
you mad?” was the low, heart-broken cry. 

“O, my daughter, you will give him up, won’t 
you. You’ll do it, and be Daddy’s own dear baby 
again. Promise me, Sybil, and save me the pain- 
ful duty of thus banishing you.” His tone had 
sunk to one of tender love and pleading, and he 
raised her eagerly, peering into the great eyes to 
catch the yielding there; but she seemed to have 
suddenly been transformd into marble. Not a 
feature moved. Her beautiful face wore a still, 
stony stare. 

“Sybil, Sybil, my child, what is it?” 

Then she appeared to revive. The lustrous 
eyes widened, then flashed. She clutched her 
hands spasmodically. 

“Oh, you are cruel! But you shall see that 


38 The Dawn of a New Era 

I am your own child, and that I have as great de- 
termination as you. There is no need to wait 
for my decision; there is no need of giving me 
until morning. I shall never change my mind. I 
intend to marry Gilbert Stuart. Disinherit me if 
you wish!” The words poured out with a steely 
intensity and the old man’s face hardened, though 
this time, pain and disappointment were plainly 
evident. 

“Very well. Nevertheless, I’ll give you until 
in the morning; then, if you still persist in your 
disobedience, you may consider yourself as no 
longer one of the family.” 

“I will try to carry out your wishes implicitly. 
I must leave you now,” she said coldly, and passed 
him without so much as a glance. 

When she had gone, he sank down on a bench 
and buried his head on his arms. He had aged 
greatly during the interview with his daughter. 
He loved her better than life, and her strange 
obstinacy was breaking his heart. In the halls, 
the orchestra was playing a very brilliant selec- 
tion by Chopin. He surmised by this time the 
guests were dining, and he knew that they were 
wondering where he was; yet he never moved. 
The pain in his heart was becoming unbearable. 
Perhaps he had been too harsh with his beautiful 
daughter, made twicefold lovelier than ever to 
him now that he was about to lose her. He knew 


The Dawn of a New Era 


39 


his pride would never allow him to alter his de- 
cision, however, and the thought of Stuart made 
him desperate. How he despised him for caus- 
ing all this trouble in his heretofore perfectly 
happy home. 

“Why, General Huntington, what ails you?” 
came a surprised, boyish voice. 

General Huntington glanced up quickly. 

“All’s up, Jack, my boy.” 

“You can’t mean it! I’d just as soon you’d 
sign my death-warrant. Tell me it’s all a mis- 
take,” pleaded the boy in anguished tones. 

“But it isn’t, Jack. It has nearly killed me. 
You must help me bear up, lad. I know it hurts 
you, too, but we can’t help it. You don’t know 
how determined she was. I told her I’d give her 
until morning to decide, and that if she was still 
of the same mind, I’d disinherit her. She told 
me she didn’t need any time, that she would never 
change her decision, and I have no hope whatever 
that she will. I’m afraid — I’ll have — to keep 
my promise,” and, despite himself, his voice fal- 
tered. 

“You — you’d disinherit her?” cried Jack, in in- 
credulous tones. 

“I would!” and the old General’s jaws came to- 
gether with a vicious snap. 

The boy merely stared for a moment. He 
could not at once comprehend the General’s doing 


40 


The Dawn of a New Era 


such a thing. He could realize that he must have 
been extremely angry and threatening if the girl 
should ever clash his will; but to disinherit her, 
cast her off, he could not quite comprehend that. 
He glanced again into the face of General Hunt- 
ington, and it slowly dawned on him that he could 
do such a thing. Then the thought of Sybil’s 
marrying another — he had almost forgotten his 
own pain in wonderment at the General’s threat — 
came back to him with redoubled force, and he 
felt as if all joy in life was dead for him. 

“It’ll simply kill me to see Syb marry him; I 
can’t bear it,” he burst forth desperately. 

The General smiled sadly. “I’m sorry for you, 
Jack, but you’re young and will pull through. 
There’ll be another now that you know Sybil is 
lost to you.” 

“No, there will never be another. I’ll never 
marry if I can’t have Syb,” was the sad, deter- 
mined reply. 

“Sh ! Some one is coming for us.” 

Mrs. Huntington made her appearance as the 
General spoke. “You do not intend to desert us, 
do you? We sent Jack to search for you, but it 
seems that he, too, has been detained. What is 
so interesting out here?” she asked brightly. 

“O, we’ll just let you guess the subject of our 
conversation,” answered Jack, dryly, as they fol- 
lowed her into the house. 


CHAPTER VI 


D URING the month following the evening 
of her great ball, Sybil had been very un- 
happy. Mrs. Huntington had pleaded with her 
earnestly to give up Stuart. Her objections were 
similar to her husband’s and it had pained her 
more than she thought it possible to remain ob- 
stinate. Sybil loved her father and mother de- 
votedly, and never before had seriously disobeyed 
them. Dorothy Courtney was the only one who 
championed her in her purpose to marry Stuart, 
and the girl argued strongly for him to both Mrs. 
Huntington and the General. 

The arguing always ended with burning indig- 
nation on the General’s part, and tears from his 
wife. 

Sybil had scarcely spoken to her father since 
the memorable night, as he always sternly avoided 
her. Dorothy would sympathize greatly with her 
in her sorrow, and assure her all would be made 
right in the end, but Sybil, however, could not be 
convinced. 

Jack had been to see her time and again, be- 
seeching her to give up Stuart, and wed him, but 
41 


42 The Dawn of a New Era 

she would smile sweetly and say “no.” Once, 
she told him to “go and be a great man and for- 
get her.” But Jack had told her that she had 
hurt him more than she could ever know and 
that he would never marry, never. 

She had received many letters from Stuart, 
and they had comforted and reassured her. In 
his last letter, he told her that he would come 
to Charlotte in another week, and she had been 
anxiously awaiting his arrival. He could not 
come to her home, and she had written him that 
she would meet him at the home of her friend. 
Dorothy had told her that she would gladly wel- 
come him there. 

On the day that Stuart’s last letter had ar- 
rived, Sybil and Dorothy were up in the former’s 
room discussing the things that must take place 
before the coming of her lover, when Jack was 
announced. Sybil went down at once. She met 
him half-way down the hall. He came toward 
her with a winsome smile on his attractive face, 
and bowed low over her hand. 

“I am so glad to see you, Jack.” 

“I can only remain a short time,” he began as 
they seated themselves. “I’m leaving this after- 
noon for New York.” 

“Really? What important business takes you 
there?” she asked in some surprise. 


The Dawn of a New Era 43 

“O, it’s some work of Dad’s he wants me to 
attend to.” 

“How long will you be there?” 

“A couple of weeks, I suppose.” 

“I hope you’ll enjoy yourself. I’m sure you 
will, though.” The situation was becoming a 
trifle strained. 

“I’ll never enjoy myself any more, Syb,” Jack 
replied in a plaintive voice. “But I didn’t come 
to complain ; I came to tell you that I’m going to 
try and be what you said, ‘a great man.’ ” The 
last words were uttered in ringing tones, and he 
looked down at her triumphantly. 

“I always knew you’d be a great and good man, 
Jack,” she cried impulsively, “and no one will be 
more pleased and proud of your success than I.” 

“Sybil, if you could only have loved me ! Dear, 
I could have made you so happy,” he murmured. 

“You’ll soon get over my marrying another, 
Jack. You don’t think so now, but I know. Per- 
haps some fashionable young queen in New York 
will captivate you,” she added mischievously; 
then, in a serious tone as she leaned closer to him : 
“But always, Jack, I want to remain your friend. 
I’m afraid I won’t have many after I marry.” 
Her voice broke, and tears glistened on her long 
lashes. 

“Yes, dear, I’ll always be your friend, and, if 
ever you are in trouble, come to me. Will you, 


44 


The Dawn of a New Era 


Syb? Will you give me that comfort? Will you 
come to me if ever you are in trouble?” 

“Yes, Jack, I’ll come to you,” she answered, 
smiling at his eagerness. 

When he arose to go, he took her hands in both 
of his and kissed them gently. “I’ll remember 
your promise,” he told her. 

“All right,” and again she smiled; “and may 
God bless and prosper you wherever you may go.” 

They stood for a moment in silence. 

“Good-by, dearest girl,” he said bravely. 

“Good-by, Jack, my friend,” she said softly, 
tears not very far off. 

She watched the athletic young figure as it dis- 
appeared down the street. 

“What a pity every one can’t be made happy,” 
she sighed, crying silently. 


CHAPTER VII 


H YAR’S yo’ lettah, Miss Sybil,” said Josh, 
the old colored servant, who had been in 
the employ of the Huntingtons since the Civil 
War, as he handed her a letter. Then with a 
chuckle, the large eyes lighted: “Lawd, honey, 
how yo’ eyes does shine when yo’ sees dat 
han’write.” 

“This is the letter I was looking for,” Sybil 
cried joyously, springing lightly from her seat in 
the hammock, and taking the letter. In a Ino- 
ment, she had torn open the seal. 

The letter was from Stuart. It was dated a£ 
Riceville, a town in Southern Kentucky, telling her 
that he would be in on the afternoon train and 
meet her at Dorothy’s that night. Her cheeks 
flushed with joy and excitement, yet she was not 
entirely happy. She had spoken only a few words 
to her father since the night of her ball, and she 
dreaded beyond words to approach him on the sub- 
ject of her marriage again. The thought of her 
mother gave her a little courage. Surely, she 
would sympathize with her, though it would al- 
45 


46 


The Dawn of a New Era 


most tear her heart out when she learned that her 
daughter was to marry that very evening. 

Sybil realized that she must break the news 
to them both immediately. She had not dared 
before this to tell them of how soon she intended 
to wed, but now there was no other way. How 
could she go over all that again? She uttered a 
deep sigh and started for the house. As she 
opened the door to the big hall, she ran squarely 
into her father. She uttered a little cry, and the 
General would have passed her with a cold bow, 
but, recovering herself in time, she stopped him. 

“Please, Father, just a moment,” was the 
breathless exclamation. In vain, she tried to still 
the quick pounding of her heart. 

“Yes?” 

“Father, I’m going — t — to marry Gilbert 
Stuart this evening.” 

“This — evening !” 

For a moment, General Huntington lost his 
haughty composure. His lips twitched, and he 
seemed to be trying to grasp the full meaning of 
her words. 

“Yes, Father, this evening. You’ll forgive me, 
Daddy, won’t you, because I love him so? You 
won’t abandon me, Daddy? Please, oh, please 
say I can still be your own little daughter, and 
come home when I wish. Oh ” 

He had recovered his composure somewhat, 


The Dawn of a New Era 47 

and the cold, stony look again overspread his 
face as he interrupted her eager, passionate 
pleading. 

‘‘Don’t be a baby. You know my decision, and 
it is as unalterable as the laws of the Medes and 
the Persians. It is useless for you to plead with 
me. The instant you leave this house to become 
the wife of Gilbert Stuart, you can never, so long 
as you live, enter it again.” The words of doom 
passed from his lips mercilessly. 

For a single instant, Sybil turned deadly pale; 
then, as on the night of their awful quarrel, she 
drew herself up with that selfsame haughty air, 
his air. 

“Very well, Father. I understand you per- 
fectly. I am to consider myself as no longer a 
child of yours. I shall never enter your home nor 
ask aught of you again. At your wish, we will 
henceforth meet as utter strangers.” She slightly 
inclined her regal head and passed him. 

He stood where she had left him, his head 
bent low. A deep moan escaped his quivering 
lips. He knew that her words, too, were as un- 
alterable now as his own, and he, on the verge 
of the grave, had caused them to be uttered. 

After leaving her father, Sybil at once sought 
her mother. 

“Mother, may I speak to you?” she asked soft- 
ly, as she opened the door of her mother’s room. 


48 The Dawn of a New Era 

“Yes, dear,” was the gentle reply; “come 
right in.” 

Sybil entered, and, going over to the divan on 
which her mother was lying, she sat down quietly 
by her side. 

“Mother, dearest,” she began in a voice scarce- 
ly above a whisper, “I am going to be married 
to-night.” 

Mrs. Huntington sprang up instantly. “My 
daughter, what do you mean?” she cried in tones 
of alarm. 

“Gilbert and I are going to marry to-night at 
Dorothy’s,” she stated in low tones. 

“Sybil, you are mad.” 

“No, Mother, I am perfectly sane. I have 
told you before that I was going to marry him, 
only I did not tell you I intended doing so this 
soon. However, it can’t be much of a surprise, 
Mother, dear. You have known that I was going 
to do this, and oh, Mother, my mother, don’t be 
angry with me ! Go with your little girl to-night, 
and be with her when she marries. Mother, I’ll 
just die if you are angry. I can’t bear your 
displeasure, too.” The sweet voice broke, and 
the girl began to sob. 

Mrs. Huntington remained silent. In her 
great surprise at the announcement, she did not 
hear her last words. Would Sybil really dare 
do this absurd thing in the face of the great anger 


The Dawn of a New Era 49 

of her father? Would she dare thus to defy 
him? 

“Have you told your father this?” she asked 
in cold tones. 

“Yes.” 

“How did he receive the news?” 

“He said he would abandon me.” 

“Sybil, Sybil, you can not do this thing after 
what he has said, dear. Oh, for your mother’s 
sake, don’t be so hasty. You know how stern and 
unmovable your father is. Darling, tell Mother 
you are only joking.” Mrs. Huntington flung 
her arms around the slender figure, in intense 
pleading. 

“I know that I am young, but I think it is bet- 
ter for me to do as my heart dictates, anyhow, 
and I love Gilbert.” 

Mrs. Huntington drew away from her sud- 
denly. She knew by her tones that she would 
never give up Stuart. 

“So you have entirely forgotten poor Jack 
and your wonderful trip,” she reproved bitterly. 

Her mother’s coldness broke Sybil down com- 
pletely. “Don’t, Mother, don’t! Oh, I can’t 
bear for you to turn against me. Don’t be cold 
to me. Tell me you love me as much as ever — 
that you aren’t angry,” she sobbed, clinging to 
her. 

“Of course, I’m angry and provoked, Sybil. 


50 The Dawn of a New Era 

You have thwarted all our plans, and are dis- 
obeying our most express commands,” Mrs. 
Huntington replied in a slightly altered voice, for 
after all, she was a mother. 

“But, Mother, didn’t you choose your mate?” 
the girl asked desperately. 

Mrs. Huntington started. Yes, she had chosen 
her mate for herself. Her thoughts reverted to 
their exquisitely happy courtship and marriage. 
She had loved him passionately, and he had loved 
her, but her family had greatly approved the 
marriage. 

“Dear, my family was pleased with the man I 
married, as pleased as was I, myself,” she an- 
swered. 

Sybil raised her head suddenly and looked her 
mother full in the face. “Mother, will you an- 
swer me truly? What is there in Gilbert that 
you object to?” 

The question was so unexpected that Mrs. 
Huntington flushed deeply. 

“Will you answer me, Mother? What is there 
that you and Father object to in Gilbert! Isn’t 
he entirely honorable?” 

“Yes, daughter, I suppose he is. But you 
know such a man could not make you happy. He 
has no financial means, whatever, and you could 
not be happy with a poor man, dear, when you 
have been used to luxury all your life. Besides, 


The Dawn of a New Era 51 

there are many others you could marry. Nothing 
could make your father and myself happier than 
to see you Jack’s wife. And, dearest, you must 
remember you are all we have. We have worked 
and planned for you all our lives. Why you are 
our very existence, my daughter. All we think 
of is you, and how to make you happy, dear. 
All ” 

“Yet you would have me wed a man with 
whom I would be miserable,” interrupted the girl, 
quickly. “That’s not consistent, Mother.” 

“Jack could not make you miserable, Sybil. 
A boy you have played with and known all your 
life could not make you very unhappy. I know 
you will never find one who would be as good to 
you as Jack.” 

“Oh, Mother, let’s end this useless argument. 
Jack is too good — almost a goody-goody. Be- 
sides, my mind is fully made up, and nothing in 
the world will change it.” 

There was a silence for a while, then, Sybil 
broke forth slowly: “Oh, I’m so tired, so very 
tired of all this opposition. I wish I was dead,” 
and she passed a slender hand across her brow, 
as though unutterably weary. 

“I’m sorry, Sybil, deeply grieved,” her mother 
said in a stern, sad tone. 

“Mother, don’t speak to me like that. Tell 
me you’ll go with me this evening to be married. 


52 The Dawn of a New Era 

It seems as though I’m all alone. The future 
looks so big and scary,” and she sank down on 
the divan, burying her face in her hands. 

Mrs. Huntington gazed down at her a long 
time. No, it was utterly impossible to remain 
angry with her beautiful daughter. She could 
not bear for her to entertain harsh remembrances 
of her mother. After all, she might be happier 
with Stuart than with Jack. Maybe it was just 
a mother’s selfishness for her only child to think 
she could be happy with no one save a wealthy 
man. Stuart was young and strong, and very 
talented. He was reputed to be a great orator, 
also. She had forgotten that in her displeasure. 

She had heard him speak on one occasion, and 
now she smiled as she remembered how entirely 
spellbound he had held her. With his talents, he 
might one day become a very great person, she 
reflected. It was not at all improbable. Why 
had she not thought over these things before? 
Because she had never really thought they would 
marry. She had relied implicitly on her hus- 
band’s power to force obedience, she mused. But 
the crisis had come, the unexpected had happened, 
and for once her husband had been completely 
overruled. 

She glanced again at Sybil, lovingly. Surely, 
in such an important period of her daughter’s 


The Dawn of a New Era 53 

life, she should not be cold and distant. Bend- 
ing low, she whispered tenderly: 

“Sybil, darling, Mother loves you. I’ll go with 
you this evening, precious, and will do all within 
my power to make you happy.” 

The girl raised her head and stared, unable 
to comprehend what she had heard. 

“I’ll go with you this evening, dear. Don’t 
you understand? I’m not angry in the least, nor 
displeased. I love you, darling.” 

A look of unutterable joy overspread Sybil’s 
face. In an instant, mother and daughter were 
locked in each other’s arms. 

Late that afternoon, Sybil went out to the barn 
to give her pet horse a few farewell strokes and 
to pour out her heart to him in a last confidential 
talk. 

“Whut’s ailin’ yo’, honey!” cried old Josh, 
poking his head out of the crib door. 

“Oh, Josh, I’m going away to-night,” she 
sobbed. “You must take good care of Gypsy 
and Mother — and — Dad.” 

“Honey chil’, what yo’ talkin’ ’bout? Leab 
us? Why, chil’, de whole place’d be broke up. 
Look ahere, I ain’t gwine ter listen ter no sich 
talk!” 


CHAPTER VIII 


M UVVER, I ’ish Dadda would turn on. I 
’onts to tee him, I does,” prattled a tiny, 
childish voice. 

“Daddy will be here soon, angel, and I expect 
he’ll bring you something nice,” assured the sweet 
voice of the lovely young mother, as she bestowed 
fond kisses and caresses on her handsome little 
boy. 

“Wot’ll he b’ing, Muvver?” 

“I don’t know, precious. Something mighty 
nice, because he hasn’t seen you for a whole 
week,” was the gentle, loving reply. 

“I pecks he b’ings me choo-choo t’ain, don’t 
you, Muvver?” 

“I don’t know, dear. But listen! I believe 
that’s Daddy now,” for she had heard a heavy 
step on the porch outside. 

In a moment, a tall, bronzed figure loomed in 
the doorway, his arms full of bundles, and a 
bright, happy smile on his unusually handsome 
face. 

“Holy smoke, but I’m glad to see you two 
54 


The Dawn of a New Era 55 

darlings!” he cried, taking them noth into his 
arms. 

“Now, see what Dadda has for you and 
Mother.” 

He began to untie bundle after bundle, unroll- 
ing to view a big red horn, a striped ball, and 
other toys that he thought would please a baby 
boy’s fancy. At length, he came to a large bun- 
dle, which he handed to his wife. 

“Here, sweetheart, this is yours.” 

Her lustrous eyes lighted up with great love. 
“Dear, I’m afraid you are too extravagant in 
your spendings. You must remember we’re not 
millionaires.” 

“You must also remember that I am to be the 
next county judge,” he replied, smiling. 

“I only hope so,” was the fervent answer. 

Meanwhile, she had unwrapped the bundle, 
and now she uttered a little cry of joy as she be- 
held a beautiful silk waist and velvet skirt. She 
had looked longingly at them on display in Hunt’s 
store, the week before, but never dreamed of 
buying them. Since she had married, she had 
been compelled to practise strict economy, for 
their means were small. 

“O, Gilbert, they are darlings!” she cried, 
flinging her arms around his neck. 

He held her close. “Won’t Mrs. Judge Stuart 
look swell in her new togs. But seriously, sweet- 


56 The Dawn of a New Era 

heart, I’ve had wonderful luck this past week in 
my campaign. Everybody’s for me. Without a 
doubt, I’ll be elected.” 

“The only obstacle in your way is that Bran- 
don,” she said, and a cloud for an instant passed 
over her brow. “You know how fearfully he 
hates you.” 

“I’ll fix that scoundrel if he does anything un- 
derhanded,” Stuart muttered grimly. 

Three years had elapsed since he left Char- 
lotte with Sybil as his bride, and only too swiftly 
had the full, happy years passed. Stuart had 
been proud to introduce this gloriously beautiful 
girl as his wife. It is true, their finances were 
very limited, but they enjoyed thoroughly learn- 
ing the little economies of life, together. Now 
that he was so confident of being the next judge, 
they were planning to buy a little cottage not far 
from where they were renting. 

Stuart’s mother and sister lived alone in a very 
pretty little cottage a few blocks from the home 
they intended to purchase. They, themselves, 
were not at all wealthy as Gilbert’s father had 
barely left more than enough to make them com- 
fortable for the remainder of their lives. He 
had accepted only half the portion left him by 
his father as he thought his mother and sister 
were in more need of it than he, who was fully 
capable of earning his own livelihood. 


The Dawn of a New Era 57 

Sybil loved his vivacious young sister and 
sweet, gentle mother very much, and visited them 
frequently. The mother and daughter both fair- 
ly adored little Gilbert, Jr. 

All was excitement in these two households 
now, for Gilbert was in the midst of his race for 
County Judge. There remained only two more 
months until the election, and the political situa- 
tion in Stark County was becoming exciting. 
Stuart had many prominent politicians backing 
him, but there was one influential man who ar- 
dently hated him. He feared this man in the 
race, as he knew he would stop at nothing to 
defeat him. When Stuart would talk of him with 
his friends, however, they would merely laugh, 
and say sneeringly: 

“To hell with Brandon! We’ll crush the very 
life blood out of him before this is over,” and 
Stuart would smile, in a measure relieved. 

He was especially anxious to be elected, not 
only for the honor, but for the salary that he 
would receive. He was spending far beyond his 
means, and could see no way out if he were de- 
feated. He had not been able to afford servants 
during his wedded life, and Sybil had done all 
the work. She was as remarkably beautiful as 
when he first met her, and did not appear to 
have aged a day. The wonderful eyes seemed to 


58 


The Dawn of a New Era 


have grown more wonderful, her noble soul shin- 
ing forth from their depths. 

Their little son, Gilbert, Jr., was a combina- 
tion of both Stuart and Sybil. He had already 
begun to develop his father’s fine, broad figure 
and had his quick, impulsive ways — but he had 
Sybil’s marvelous eyes and golden brown hair. 
The child was extraordinarily fond of them both. 

“Dadda,” he said suddenly, after having grown 
a little weary of his toys, which he had played 
with constantly for more than an hour, “I’s a 
’ittle bit tired. Isn’t ’oo? ’ets do to bed. ’Ut ’oo 
says Mur?” 

“Come here, Gilbert, Jr., and sit on Dad’s 
knee for a while; then I’ll go to bed with you,” 
said his father, with a laugh, motioning the boy 
to his side. 

The little fellow obeyed, rubbing his eyes. In 
a short time, he was fast asleep in Stuart’s arms. 

“How innocent and carefree — youth,” he said, 
smiling across at Sybil. “Not a worry on earth 
has Gilbert, Jr.” 

“No,” she replied softly, then she glided over 
to him and knelt by his chair with her hand in 
his. “How exquisitely happy and carefree I, 
too, am, dear. I could ask for no greater joy 
than to be near you.” 

“I love you better than life, darling! My 
own!” and he pressed her lips lovingly. 


CHAPTER IX 


S YBIL waited in breathless excitement, stand- 
ing by the door with Gilbert, Jr., at her side 
and the baby — the baby that had come two 
months past to render an added brightness to the 
little home — clasped tightly in her arms, for news 
of the election. 

It was an unusually warm night in August, and 
Sybil was fanning her baby. 

“Say, Muz!” cried Gilbert, Jr., suddenly, 
“Dadda, him is goin’ to be ’lected sure, isn’t 
him?” 

“Hush!” she commanded, with a cry of joy, 
for in the distance, she heard many footsteps and 
could distinguish vague sounds of “Stuart! 
Stuart! Hurrah for Stuart!” 

She opened the door quickly, and stepped out 
on the porch, closely followed by the boy. 

“Stuart — Stu — art, Hurrah! hurrah!” were 
the sounds that met her ear, much more plainly 
now. 

“Gilbert, Jr., darling, he’s elected. O God, I 
thank thee.’ 

“ ’Oo, I’s dad, I’s awful, awful dad!” screamed 
59 


6o The Dawn of a New Era 

the boy, running through the darkness toward 
the sound of the shouts. 

In a few minutes, the home of the Stuarts was 
crowded. The joyful friends and boosters of 
Stuart remained late into the night, and in one 
household at least, in the small city of Riceville, 
happiness reigned supreme. 

The next morning, soon after Stuart had de- 
parted for his office, Ruth came bursting in, clap- 
ping her hands and crying: “O, Sybil, can you 
realize your good fortune ?” 

“I’m loo happy! Now, we can buy the dear 
little cottage on East Street,” Sybil rejoiced. 

“Where’s Gilly and the baby?” asked Ruth, 
suddenly. 

“Gilbert, Jr., is playing with Tommy. They’re 
out in the back yard, I think. Baby is asleep in 
my room.” 

“That dear, darling, precious baby, and named 
for me ! I don’t deserve it. But I’ve something 
for Gilbert, Jr. Give him this quarter when he 
comes in, and tell him that ‘Granny’ sent it.” 

Sybil took the money and smiled her thanks. 

“O, Ruth, I’m just so elated over Gilbert’s 
being elected, I can’t talk or think of anything 
else. I’m so proud of him ! He was born to be 
a leader of men.” Sybil’s lovely face lighted up 
with an unspeakable pride. 

It was rather late when Stuart got home that 


The Dawn of a New Era 


6 1 


evening, but, after putting the children to bed, 
he and Sybil sat up until late into the night, talk- 
ing and planning. 

“Well, sweetheart, now we’ll get the home on 
East Street. I’ll have you a maid and me a 
horse,” the deep voice said joyfully, as he pressed 
the slight form to him. 

“It’s wonderful, isn’t it, love? I’m just the 
happiest woman in all the world. But we’re still 
heavily in debt,” she added earnestly, “and we 
mustn’t be too extravagant.” 

“Let’s don’t think of those d — d debts, now. 
But let’s be happy; they’ll be all right. Do you 
love me as well as ever?” he asked in passionate 
tones. 

“You know I love you with an undying devo- 
tion, dearest.” 


CHAPTER X 


T HEN you’ll really have to go now?” asked 
Sybil, slowly. 

“Yes, it’s absolutely necessary, sweetheart. 
You know I don’t want to leave you and the kids 
for any length of time, but this is a case of neces- 
sity. I may pull off a clear thousand.” 

It was a week after the election, and Stuart 
had just received a telegram from his former 
law-partner, in a town near-by, to come at once, 
that he needed him badly on an important case. 

“You must go to Mother’s to-day and remain 
there until I return. Gil, you’re going to be good 
to Mother while Dad’s away, aren’t you, son?” 

“You bet I ’ill. I’ll take dood care uv Muv 
an’ ’ittle sister, I ’ill,” the boy answered, squar- 
ing his shoulders proudly. 

His father caught him in his arms. “You’re 
the best kiddo in the world, sonny boy. Dad 
loves you better than his life.” 

“Better than ’ittle sister an’ Muv?” asked the 
child, in surprised tones. 

Stuart laughed. “You mustn’t ask me that, 
son,” he said, hugging him. 

62 


The Dawn of a New Era 63 

A muffled cry was heard in the next room. 
“My baby’s awake,” exclaimed Sybil. “Wait a 
second.” 

“No; I’m in a hurry. I’ll be late and miss 
my train, if I wait. Kiss me, you two, and I’ll 
go,” he said, watch in hand. 

“Haven’t you time to kiss baby?” the little 
mother asked reproachfully. 

“I tell you, I haven’t time,” was the impatient 
answer. “Good-by, sweethearts. I’ll be back 
in a week or so.” He was gone. 

Sybil turned and hastily entered the room to 
quiet the fretting child. 

At Stuart’s wish, Sybil departed for his moth- 
er’s. She went soon after she had eaten dinner. 
She dismissed her cook, telling her she might rest 
until she sent for her to come back again. Mrs. 
Stuart and Ruth were waiting for them at the 
door. 

“O, you precious darlings !” cried Ruth, taking 
immediate possession of the baby. “I’m as happy 
as a lark at the sight of you.” 

Mrs. Stuart kissed them all. “Welcome, 
dearies. Open the door, sweet boy.” 

“O, Syb, you didn’t know I was going to have 
quite a swell affair, this week, did you?” Ruth 
asked merrily. 

“No. What is it?” 

“I’m going to give a big dance; it’s going to be 


6 4 


The Dawn of a New Era 


a splendiferous event, believe me; and you’ve got 
to dance, too. You haven’t had a bit of fun since 
you married — I mean, of course, in the way of 
entertainment — you must enjoy yourself at my 
dance. Forget you’re an old, married wom- 
an,” she twinkled. “You’re the most beautiful 
thing God ever made, and why can’t you have a 
regular good time, yet?” 

“Don’t become so excited, daughter,” remon- 
strated Mrs. Stuart, gently. “You talk as if Sybil 
wouldn’t have a nice time at your party, unless 
you coaxed her in the manner you’re doing.” 

“I’m afraid I can’t dance,” smiled Sybil. “I’ll 
do everything else you ask, though.” 

“Of course, you’re going to dance, Grandma 
Sybil. Gilbert has told me often that you were 
the very best dancer in Charlotte,” cried the girl, 
impatiently. 

“Gilbert doesn’t approve of my dancing now. 
He says it was all right when I was single but 
now that I’m married, I must drop all foolish- 
ness,” she smiled good-naturedly. 

“Gilbert’s a nice one to say such ridiculous 
things to you. Besides, he won’t be here to watch 
you, and I intend you shall dance all evening. 
There! My Imperial Majesty, what else canst 
thou say?” 

Sybil laughed and said nothing. 


The Dawn of a New Era 65 

“Spos’n Dadda ’ust to come, Aunt ’Uth? ’Hut 
then?” piped Gilbert, Jr., triumphantly. 

The girl caught him in her arms. “You 
naughty boy!” she chided. “Don’t you want 
Muv to enjoy herself?” 

“Er tourse I does,” replied the boy, looking 
at it in a new light, as it occurred to him that his 
beloved Muv might want to dance. “I ’onts her 
to, now. I hits Dadda if he hovers Muv.” 

This brought a laugh from all. “You precious, 
bad boy!” Ruth cried, kissing him. 


CHAPTER XI 


R UTH’S dance was truly a “swell” affair. All 
the young social elect were there, besides 
some older ones, whom Mrs. Stuart had invited. 

Sybil was looking especially beautiful on this 
occasion, in a pale green silk. She was sitting in 
the extreme end of the hall, with Mrs. Stuart, 
watching the merry dancers. Her heart longed 
to be among them, but remembering her hus- 
band’s words, she refrained from joining them. 

Presently, a handsome young man came up to 
her. “Say, why aren’t you dancing? Won’t you 
give me the honor?” 

“I — I don’t dance,” she hesitated, blushing. 
“Aw, come on, you’re joking. Ruth said you 
were a wonder. Please?” 

“My husband doesn’t approve,” she said 
quietly. 

“What’s that the husband doesn’t approve,” 
drawled a deep, musical voice. 

Mrs. Stuart and Sybil sprang to their feet in 
surprise. 

“Gilbert!” cried Sybil. “You here! I wasn’t 
expecting you so soon, dear.” 

66 


The Dawn of a New Era 


67 


“You must have entered very quietly, son,” 
said Mrs. Stuart. 

The man who had asked Sybil to dance, per- 
ceiving Gilbert’s attitude, bowed and excused him- 
self. 

“What was that the husband didn’t approve?” 
Stuart repeated, laughing, but his eyes were not 
altogether pleasant. 

“The gentleman who just left, asked me to 
dance, and I refused, saying you did not like it,” 
she explained, too happy over seeing him to notice 
the strange tones with which he addressed her. 

“Sure I don’t. We’re old married people 
now,” with another short laugh. 

“Excuse me, dears. I must go see about the 
refreshments,” said Mrs. Stuart, suddenly. 

“Certainly, Mother,” was Stuart’s answer. 
Then he turned to Sybil and said meaningly: “So 
you’ve decided to enter society, once more?” 

Sybil blushed. “What do you mean, Gilbert?” 
she asked. 

He ignored her question. “I didn’t know Ruth 
was going to give this dance. Where are the 
children?” abruptly. 

“Grace is staying with them in the nursery. 
I had her come here for to-night to see after 
them.” 

“Well, let’s go. I’m dead tired, and the kids 
ought to be in bed,” he spoke cruelly. 


68 The Dawn of a New Era 

Sybil gasped and would have answered, but 
he turned without another word, and left her. 
She bit her lips to keep back the angry tears. It 
was the first time he had ever spoken to her in 
that manner, and it hurt her painfully. What 
was the meaning of his strange behavior? Sure- 
ly, he was not angry because some one had asked 
her to dance. He had too much sense for that. 
Then what was the matter? Perhaps he was 
tired, so tired that it made him impatient and 
irritable. At the thought of that, her heart soft- 
ened. She would get the children and go home 
with him. He would apologize there, and tell 
her in loving tones that he had been so weary 
that he had forgotten himself. 

In great haste, she went to the nursery to get 
the children. Then she went in search of Mrs. 
Stuart, whom she found in the kitchen. 

“Gilbert is tired from his journey, Mother, 
and I thought I’d better go home with him,” she 
said lightly. Mrs. Stuart must not suspect he 
had been angry. 

“That’s too bad, dear. But I know how it is. 
First, however, you must bring him in and be 
served; then you can go.” 

“I ’ont some ice keam,” fretted Gilbert, Jr. 

“Go, Sybil, and get Gilbert. I’ll take care of 
the children.” 


The Dawn of a New Era 69 

“Very well. I don’t know that he’ll want any, 
though,” she said hesitatingly. 

Nevertheless, she departed at once to find him. 
He was out on the porch, one leg resting on the 
banister, and in the darkness, she could not dis- 
cern the expression on his face. 

“Gilbert,” she said softly, “we will go in a 
few minutes. Mother wants you to come in first 
and she will serve you.” 

“I don’t want anything,” he replied deliberate- 
ly. “Get the children, and let’s go at once.” 

“Very well. I don’t understand you, Gilbert. 
You will have to explain this,” she said darkly, 
as she left him. 

She returned immediately with the two chil- 
dren, and they walked home in silence. On 
reaching there, Stuart turned to Sybil while re- 
moving his coat. 

“Sybil, I don’t like this at all.” 

“Why, Gilbert, I— I don’t— understand ” 

“Then I’ll make myself plainer. I told you 
after we were married that you must cut all this 
tomfoolery out, and you must. Also, I didn’t 
relish the idea of you and that stiff, Rudyard, 
together. He’s the biggest flirt and liar in Rice- 
ville, and I don’t intend my wife to be seen with 
the rascal. Get me?” His tone was rough and 
full of anger. 


?o 


The Dawn of a New Era 


“Then why does your sister invite him to her 
house?” she flashed, in blinding rage. 

“I can’t answer for Ruth. She does as she 
pleases — but my wife does not! Hear? Do you 
get me?” he fairly roared. “Married women 
have no business receiving attentions from any 
man except her own husband.” 

“Dadda is ’oo fussin’ at Muvver?” the boy’s 
half-crying voice interrupted. He had been stand- 
ing near them, completely ignored, watching them 
with wide-open eyes, and his childish instinct told 
him there was something wrong. 

Stuart appeared not to have heard him. “I’m 
sorry to have to correct you,” he went on, with 
biting sarcasm. “However, you had better be 
careful the next time.” 

“Dadda, is ’oo fussin’ at Muvver?” the boy re- 
peated, this time louder and more tearful. 

“Be quiet, or I’ll thrash you good,” his father 
threatened him. 

“Oo not hup me, ’ull he, Muv?” with an in- 
dignant glance at Stuart, and appealingly looking 
at Sybil. 

“I don’t care to talk with you any more this 
evening. You’re a tyrant, and I don’t under- 
stand your mood this evening.” She caught Gil- 
bert, Jr., by the hand, and with the baby held 
closely in her arms, she hurried from the room. 

“I’ll conquer her will,” muttered Stuart, grim- 


The Dawn of a New Era 71 

ly, between clenched teeth. “She’ll let other men 
alone after this.” 

When Sybil reached her room, she burst into 
a storm of tears. This was the first real quarrel 
they had ever had. Of course, they had differed 
on many things a number of times, but they had 
never had angry words before. And this time 
for nothing at all! Was Stuart insane, crazy! 
What did he mean by becoming angry at a man 
for merely asking her to dance. It was awful! 
Her tears fell in torrents. 

“Don’t cwy, Muv. Dilbert ’oves ’00. Dadda 
bad mans. Dilbert don’t ’ove he.” 

“Hush, dear. Come, bring Mother your 
nightie and let her put you to bed.” 

He obeyed. Then putting his chubby arms 
about her neck, he whispered softly: “Please 
don’t cwy, sweet Muvver. Dilbert, he ’oves ’00 
mighty much, an’ when him gets beeg mans, he 
’ops Dadda.” 

Sybil smiled involuntarily, despite her tears. 


CHAPTER XII 


S YBIL was standing at the window, with lit- 
tle Ruth in her arms, waiting for Bert to 
come to dinner. Two years had passed since 
their misunderstanding. 

“Why don’t Daddy come, Mother?” asked Gil- 
bert, Jr., impatiently. 

Presently, Stua;rt was heard coming up the 
steps. Gilbert, Jr., met him as he entered the 
doorway, and flinging his chubby arms around his 
neck, he kissed him. 

“What did you bring me, Daddy?” he asked, 
expectantly. 

“Feel in my pockets and see,” was the mis- 
chievous answer, as the big fellow gazed with 
pride on his fine son. 

The boy found a sack of candy, and pounced 
on it immediately, but his mother gently took it 
from him. 

“No, dear. It will take your appetite for din- 
ner, besides make you sick.” The boy yielded 
it reluctantly. 

Stuart laughed scornfully. “You’re silly, Sybil. 
Let the child have his candy,” he said shortly. 

72 


The Dawn of a New Era 73 

“I’m sorry, Gilbert, but I can not,” she replied 
quietly. 

When they had finished dinner and reentered 
the living-room, Stuart turned to Gilbert and said 
carelessly : 

“Run out and play, son; I have something to 
say to Mama.” 

The boy glanced up in mild surprise but obeyed 
his father. 

“Sybil,” began Stuart, as soon as the door 
closed behind Gilbert, “I am going to ask you 
for the last time to write for that money. Why, 
think of the money your father has. He has no 
need for a third of it — and look at us! If you 
cared a thing about the children or me either, 
you’d do it.” 

“I have told you repeatedly that I can not,” 
she answered quickly. “Oh, Gilbert, please don’t 
ask it of me. You know I love to please you 
more than anything on earth; I live only for you 
and the children. But don’t — don’t ask me to do 
this. You know my imperious father. You know 
how firm, how relentless he is. He would never 
forgive me — I can’t bear the thought!” she plead- 
ed softly, the great, soulful eyes lifted to his. 

He frowned. “Very well, Sybil. Of course, 
I can’t compel you, and ” 

“No, no — hush! I’ll do it — I’ll do anything 


74 The Dawn of a New Era 

for you, dear, because — I love you!” she cried 
suddenly. 

He caught her in his arms. For a long while 
after he had gone, she stood where he had left 
her, sobbing. At length, Gilbert, Jr., came in. 
Seeing his mother weeping, he ran quickly to her 
side, putting his strong little arms about her. 

“Mother,” he said in his rich young voice, her 
voice, “what’s the matter? Did Daddy make 
you cry? I’ll hate him if he did !” and he clenched 
his fists menacingly. 

“Don’t say that, dear,” she reproved tearfully.- 

“I will if I want to,” the child cried hotly. “I 
love you lots better than Daddy anyhow, 
Mother.” 


CHAPTER XIII 


I ’M afraid your letter won’t accomplish much,” 
began Stuart, as his wife, baby, Gilbert, Jr., 
and himself were seated in the cozy living-room. 
“I don’t know,” she replied wearily. “I’ve 

done all I could, and I’m tired ” 

“You’re always tired. What in the deuce 
makes you so tired? You should have married 
Carpenter and been rich now, instead of so damn 
poor,” he sneered. 

“Why do you always enjoy throwing Jack in 
my face? Don’t you suppose I could have mar- 
ried him, if I’d wished? I loved you, and I don’t 
in the least regret my choice,” she answered, flush- 
ing. 

“Then why are you ‘so tired’?” he resumed 
irritably. 

“O, Gilbert, I don’t know. I’m just worried, 
I suppose. The children have been so cross to- 
day, and of course I have lots more to do now 
that I have dismissed my cook. Please don’t quar- 
rel with me, dear. I can’t bear it.” 

“I wasn’t aware that I was quarreling,” gruffly. 
75 


7 6 


The Dawn of a New Era 


“I’m just in trouble up to my neck trying to get 
money enough to tide us over this month.” 

“Gilbert, you ought not to take it so seriously. 
There could be lots worse things happen than lack 
of money.” 

“I must be going,” he said abruptly, getting to 
his feet and consulting his watch. “One of my 
clients said he wanted to see me early this after- 
noon.” 

He left the room without another word. Sybil 
sighed; then she looked at her beautiful baby girl. 

“You’re such a darling,” she cried, cuddling 
her. “But Mother must put you down and finish 
her work.” 

Meanwhile, Stuart departed for his office, in a 
sullen humor. Bitter thoughts confronted him. 
If General Huntington did not send them any 
money, what would become of him and his fam- 
ily? But even if he sent it, they would receive 
little benefit, for it must be all paid out to those 
hellish creditors! Winter was fast approaching, 
and Stuart ground his teeth. Perhaps they would 
starve. These thoughts troubling him, he reached 
his office, a low stone structure in the heart of the 
city, and, mounting the steps, opened the door. 

At sight of his extremely pretty stenographer, 
his face brightened. Some way, he had always 
managed to see that she received the small salary 


The Dawn of a New Era 77 

she required for her services. But this month; 
where was her money to come from this time? 

She was bending over the typewriter now, her 
fingers flying over the keys. 

“Very busy?” the deep voice of Stuart inter- 
rupted. 

She glanced up quickly and smiled. “Yes, very 
busy this morning, Mr. Stuart,” the perfect little 
head nodded. 

He looked at her admiringly. How fresh, 
rosy, and cheerful she appeared. Her gray eyes 
lowered as he gazed at her, and she hastily turned 
and resumed her writing. 

“Can’t you stop that infernal noise for a few 
minutes?” he demanded. “I want to talk to you.” 

“Why surely I can,” was the surprised answer 
as she wheeled about and faced him. 

“Parker hasn’t come yet, has he?” 

“No.” 

“I feel d n — excuse me, Miss Winter, I 

didn’t mean to say that — but I’m having such bad 
luck I feel like saying all the cuss words in the 
English language and then inventing more. What 
is the matter with our law business this month? 
When have we ever had such damn bad luck? I 
tell you, it makes a fellow wish he was dead,” he 
said grimly. 

“Why, surely things are not that bad, Mr. 
Stuart,” she laughed musically. 


78 The Dawn of a New Era 

“O, yes they are, I tell you.” 

Again she laughed cheerfully. “I’m not going 
to listen to a bit more of that,” she cried. “If 
you’re going to talk to me, you’ll have to say 
something pleasant, Mr. Man.” 

“You’re enough to make a fellow feel happy, 
I’ll acknowledge,” he smiled, bending closer to 

her. “If I wasn’t in such a d there ! I came 

pretty near making another mistake, didn’t I?” 

“Indeed, you did,” she twinkled. 

“You’re irresistible,” he cried after a long look 
at her. “I’ll try to forget my troubles for a while 
and enjoy you. O,” he broke forth suddenly, 
“what beautiful flowers! I didn’t notice them 
when I came in. So you brought them to brighten 
the office, little girl?” 

She nodded gently. 

“I’m ashamed of myself for giving way to fits 
of despondency in your presence, little one; for- 
give me. I don’t suppose you know what it is to 
be sad and miserable.” 

She replied in a voice that was a little unsteady: 
“Yes, I have my troubles, Mr. Stuart, but I try 
not to burden people with them. As a rule, they 
have enough to bear, and I keep silent.” 

“Tell me your troubles, little girl. I feel as if 
it would comfort me to hear of another’s trials 
and disappointments. I’m tired thinking of my 


The Dawn of a New Era 79 

own. Will you confide in me, Amelia ?” he begged 
thickly. 

She hesitated, the rich color flooding her face. 

“I have a very sad history. I’ll tell it to you if 
you wish,” she almost whispered. 

“I do wish. Tell me!” She could feel his hot 
breath on her face. 

She leaned forward a little, resting her face in 
her hands, then in low, trembling tones, began: 

“When I was only four years old, my mother 
died. She died partly from poverty, partly from 
sorrow, for my father was a cruel, heartless man 
and treated her shamefully. He would get drunk 
and beat me unmercifully, and when mother would 
cry out to him to stop he would beat her, too. 
Finally, she died. My father was sorry in a way, 
I think, but it didn’t last long. He took me to 
his sister’s to live — a hard, cruel woman like him- 
self, and then he left the country. I’ve never 
heard from him since. I suppose he’s dead. I 
lived with my aunt for eight years — eight long 
years of endless torture — then deliverance came. 
My aunt, too, died, and her dearest friend took 
me, for my father and aunt had no other sisters 
and brothers, no kinspeople in that state. You 
would not believe it, but the woman who took me 
was good and kind. She sent me to school. She 
was an angel to me and I loved her devotedly. 

“But that joy was to be taken from me, for she 


80 The Dawn of a New Era 

contracted tuberculosis and had to depart for 
Texas. The doctor said it would be fatal to take 
me, so I remained. I was then fifteen and going 
to school. Mr. Wilkins, a kind old gentleman 
and a very good lawyer, told me one day that I’d 
make an excellent stenographer, as I was so quick 
and bright, and he prevailed on me to accept some 
money from him and take a course in stenog- 
raphy. I promised him I’d work for him and pay 
the money back. 

“Well, I worked for him three years, and laid 
by a comfortable sum of money as my expenses 
were not heavy. He became very confidential 
one day and told me he had intended to be an 
old bachelor for the remainder of his days until 
he saw me, which had changed all his plans imme- 
diately. Several weeks later he actually asked me 
to marry him. I laughed in his face; I couldn’t 
help it, he was so ridiculous. The idea of being 
his wife was preposterous, and I told him so. He 
grew very angry at that and said he guessed I 
would never get another chance any better than 
he offered. He did have lots of money. But I 
couldn’t sell myself to that old codger even if he 
had a million. 

“Nevertheless, I continued working for him 
until his attentions became so repulsive I simply 
had to quit. You know the rest — I came to you. 
Well, Mr. Man, I’ve told my pitiful tale,” she 


The Dawn of a New Era 81 

looked at him intently, “and what do yon think 
of it?” 

“It’s a rather wonderful story, little girl,” he 
answered with brooding tenderness, “and you’re 
a rather marvelous little woman.” 

“You’re flattering now,” she smiled softly. 

“I’m not one bit surprised at your old benefac- 
tor for falling in love with you. I’d have done 
the same in his place,” he continued vehemently. 

“I can’t understand why a man wants to fall in 
love with his stenographer. They ought to have 
old, ugly sticks for stenographers, if they can’t 
do any better. A stenographer is just as neces- 
sary to a man as his car or horse or anything of 
that sort; why must he fall in love with her so 
often? Why doesn’t he simply think of her as he 
would any other piece of mechanism he employs 
in his work. I can’t understand.” She eyed him 
closely. Nevertheless, there was a mischievous 
twinkle in her eyes. 

“Of course you can’t,” he laughed knowingly. 
“I wouldn’t have an old, ugly stick around my 
office. No man wants a homely girl for a stenog- 
rapher, when there are plenty of fresh, attractive 
young girls,” Stuart smiled. “You see what mod- 
ern progress has done for us fellows. Old fogy 
ideas used to prevent us from having the assist- 
ance of these pretty girls,” he added tenderly. 
“I couldn’t begin to run my business without you.” 


82 


The Dawn of a New Era 


“I can’t understand you, somehow, Mr. Stu- 
art,” she interrupted. 

“You understand me better than any one on 
earth,” he said firmly. “Now, listen, little 
woman, I’m serious; I mean every word I’ve said. 
We have been together the greater part of two 
years, and during this intimate association there 
has sprung up between us a mutual understanding 
and sympathy that nothing in the world can de- 
stroy, and yet you were just comparing this sweet 
companionship of ours with ordinary, material 
things. I tell you it’s nothing like that; it’s the 
association of two congenial persons with sym- 
pathetic minds and hearts.” 

She sprang to her feet nervously. “If you want 
any letters written to-day, you’d better give them 
to me in a hurry.” 

“I had almost forgotten them,” he cursed in- 
wardly. 

After writing for several hours, she sprang up 
nervously. “Heavens ! I didn’t know it was so 
late. Just glance at that clock. I must go. You 
know you mustn’t make me work overtime, Mr. 
Man.” As she buttoned her coat, she added: 
“I hope you won’t be feeling so blue when I re- 
turn.” 

Stuart merely stood silent, gazing after her 
stupidly. 


CHAPTER XIV 


M R AND MRS. HUNTINGTON were 
seated at their breakfast when the butler 
brought Sybil’s letter asking for money. 

Mrs. Huntington seemed to have aged greatly 
since being separated from her daughter. She 
was a mere shadow of her former self. Her eyes 
were sunken, and had lost their brightness and 
happiness, and she seemed only to be waiting for 
her time to go to a Better Land. 

Mr. Huntington, also, showed signs of having 
aged, though not nearly so much so as his wife. 
His hair was whiter, his cheeks more shrunken, 
and he had lost his old elasticity of step ; but his 
firm, indomitable will was still written in every 
line of his countenance. His determination never 
to see nor to speak to his daughter had never 
altered. He had told his wife on one occasion, 
when she had announced her desire to go and see 
her daughter, that if she did so she should never 
again enter his doors. 

Broken-hearted, she gave it up, and never again 
mentioned going to see her child. When she 
wrote to her daughter, it was without her hus- 
83 


8 4 


The Dawn of a New Era 


band’s knowledge. Sybil’s letters she never read 
to her husband, though he had never forbade her 
receiving them. 

Now, on the morning the butler brought the 
letter, Mr. Huntington was sipping his coffee lei- 
surely. He saw at once that it was postmarked 
“Riceville,” and, with a roar of rage, he prepared 
to tear it into fragments, when his wife, perceiv- 
ing what he was about to do, hastily stopped him. 

“Don’t, husband!” she cried, in low, tremulous 
tones. “Please, for my sake, read it. Something 
urgent prompted the action, or Sybil would never 
have written.” 

After a few more entreaties from Mrs. Hunt- 
ington, he broke the seal, and, with compressed 
lips, began to read. 

“Dearest Daddy,” it began. “I can imagine 
your anger and astonishment toward me for writ- 
ing you. But, Daddy, this letter to you is my very 
last resort. My pride is gone. My husband was 
in the race for county judge here, and was elected. 
We were elated — perfectly, supremely happy. All 
went well for two years, but the winning of the 
race made Gilbert extravagant, and we incurred 
debts that we can not pay. If you can lend us a 
few thousand, I believe we can pay you back in a 
few years. 

“Gilbert is the best-hearted man in the world, 
but he is too generous for his own good. He is 


The Dawn of a New Era 85 

full of energy and I know he will straighten every- 
thing up all right in the end. Will you please, 
Daddy, do this for us? Our home is heavily 
mortgaged and if we don’t receive some help we 
will have to lose it. 

“Dearest Father and Mother, how my heart 
hungers to see you both and to talk to you. Can 
you not write to me some time? Can you not for- 
give my disobedience ? I feel sometimes as if my 
heart will break. If you could only see your beau- 
tiful grandchildren, I feel sure you would grant 
my request, dear Daddy. I am sending you a 
heart full of love. 

“Your devoted daughter, 

“Sybil.” 

Mr. Huntington raised his head. The look of 
unalterable determination had never once left his 
face. The pitiful missive appeared not to have 
moved him an inch. Mrs. Huntington had been 
watching his expression as he read, with anxious, 
breathless anxiety. What had made Sybil write 
to her father? She started violently — Mr. Hunt- 
ington was crushing the letter in his hand. Throw- 
ing it from him, he cried in hard tones : 

“She can go to eternal torment, and I won’t 
raise a finger to stay her!” 

“My husband!” Mrs. Huntington sobbed, 
brokenly. 

When he had thrown the letter from him, it 


86 The Dawn of a New Era 

fell near her chair, and now she leaned forward, 
picked it up, and with every muscle in her body 
paralyzed with fear, began to read. When she 
had finished, she crushed it to her heart. 

“John, John, are you mad? Will you not send 
her this money?” She clutched frantically at his 
arm. 

“Never!” 

“Oh, but you must, you must! You must do 
this for me, dear. Remember what I sacrificed 
for you — remember I did not once go to see her 
— I did not once mention her save that time I 
asked for permission to visit her. Think of that, 
my husband. Do this for me, not her!” She was 
on her knees before him, pleading desperately. 

He began to waver. She grasped at his in- 
decision as a dying man at a straw. 

“You’ll do this for me, John, Oh, John! I’ve 
been true to you; you’ll do it for me, not her? 
Answer me. I’ll die if you refuse. I’ll die right 
where I’m kneeling, if you don’t send her the 
money. Do you hear?” She beat on the floor 
with her tiny hands. 

Slowly he looked at her. Yes, there was no 
doubt about what she was saying; she would die 
if he refused. She had always been a good wife 
to him, always patient, always loving, always kind. 

“Yes, I’ll do this for you,” he said, weighing 


The Dawn of a New Era 87 

his words. “I’ll send her the money for your 
sake,” and he took out his check-book. 

She sprang up quickly, throwing her arms 
around his neck. “Oh, I love you,” she cried in 
the ecstacy of her joy. 

He handed her the check. She gazed at it. 
Five thousand dollars I With another cry of joy, 
she fell fainting, the check clutched tightly be- 
tween her clenched fingers. 


CHAPTER XV 


W ELL, folks, how are you getting along?” 

It was Jack Carpenter’s rich young voice 
that spoke. He had come over for a chat with 
his old friends, General Huntington and his wife. 
He had kept his promise to Sybil of becoming a 
“great man” with boyish enthusiasm, though it 
broke his heart to give her up. Two years after 
her departure for Kentucky, he had been elected 
judge of Monroe County. 

Jack was very popular with the law-abiding 
citizens, for his strict ideas of right and wrong, 
but the law-breakers cordially detested him. 

“Come in, Jack. It makes me happy to see 
you, always,” said the old General, in answer to 
his question on entering. 

“Yes, Jack, we love you as if you were our 
own,” were the sweet, gentle words of Mrs. 
Huntington. 

Jack kissed her and wrung General Hunting- 
ton’s hand heartily; then, finding a seat beside 
them, he began rather cautiously: 

“Er — heard from Syb lately, I hear.” 

“Yes, we received a letter from her two days 
88 


The Dawn of a New Era 89 

ago,” was the low answer, as Mrs. Huntington 
turned her head away. 

“What did she have to say?” Jack asked slowly. 

“It seems that they are having a great deal of 
trouble,” she answered, in a scarcely audible tone. 

“Trouble ? What kind of trouble ?” 

“Mr. Stuart’s had some misfortune, I fear.” 

“That’s hard; but maybe everything will be all 
right. Just a little turn of luck on Stuart’s part,” 
he soothed, putting his arm around the slender 
figure. 

“I pray God that is all. But wouldn’t you like 
to read her letter?” she asked suddenly. 

“If you wish, yes,” he answered. 

As she left the room to get it, he turned to 
General Huntington. The old General’s face was 
a stolid mask. 

“How’s your Sunday-school work coming on, 
boy?” he asked, in a slightly embarrassed tone. 

“Finely!” was the cry, as Jack’s face lighted up 
with joy. “It’s my very life. General, it would 
sure surprise you, the influence I have over those 
fellows. Why, anything I say, they’d stake their 
life on. I wish they didn’t have so much confi- 
dence in me.” 

“And you love it!” the General said queerly. 
“I can’t understand any one loving a Sunday- 
school class as you do.” 

“At first, I didn’t think I’d like to do it; but 


9 o 


The Dawn of a New Era 


the preacher — you know what great friends Dad 
and Dr. Hopper are — well, he simply pushed me 
into it,” he ended with a laugh. “I’ve never for 
an instant regretted it, though. When I took the 
class, there were only four in it, and now there 
are fifty-eight. That’s going some, don’t you 
think?” 

“You bet,” cried the General. 

Mrs. Huntington entered the room and placed 
a crumpled letter in Jack’s hands. Jack read it 
through, and when he had finished he crushed it 
in his firm hand, and bit his trembling lips to keep 
back the tears. 

“Of course, she got the money?” he said, with 
the slightest trace of anger in his voice. 

“Yes,” breathed the mother. 

General Huntington arose. “You’ll please ex- 
cuse me,” he said, as he stalked from the room. 

Mrs. Huntington glanced up quickly; then, as 
she saw the tall, straight form leave the room, 
she buried her face in her hands, sobbing: 

“Oh, Jack, Jack, it’s killing me! He will not 
forgive her.” 

“Don’t, Mrs. Huntington, don’t!” cried the 
boy. 

“I can’t help it, Jack, dear. I love her so — and 
he won’t let me go to see her, Jack. It’s killing 
me !” 


CHAPTER XVI 


S TUART was late for supper that night, and 
when he did come, he announced that he had 
been very busy and was not hungry at all. But 
he ate a little, and they went back into the living- 
room. After exchanging a few commonplace re- 
marks, he picked up his paper and was soon ab- 
sorbed in it. With a sigh, Sybil turned from him 
to her own thoughts. 

She was very tired, more so than usual, it 
seemed. Although she was still as beautiful as 
formerly, little blue circles had begun to appear 
under the large eyes, and she was much thinner 
than she had been a few years ago. 

Stuart was becoming careless and inattentive to 
her lately, and it caused her great pain. Since 
their quarrel the night of Ruth’s dance, he had 
appeared to care less and less for her. She knew 
he worshipped Gilbert, Jr., however, and that 
alone was a great tie between them. The boy 
was spending the night with his chum, Tommy, 
and the baby was sleeping soundly. She began to 
grow reminiscent. Of late, she had thought of 
her mother a great deal, and she knew instinc- 
91 


92 The Dawn of a New Era 

tively that if the money she had written for was 
sent, it would be through her mother’s pleading 
and not her father’s relenting. It had hurt her 
cruelly to write to him, but she had made the best 
of it and had tried so hard to be cheerful. 

After a sleepless night, Sybil arose early and 
prepared the most appetizing breakfast she could 
from her scanty supply of food. Her husband 
entered the room about that time, and, turning 
quickly, she smiled up into his face. 

“Breakfast is ready, dear.” 

“Well, I’m ravenously hungry. What have 
we?” 

“Not much. Just some hot biscuits, butter, and 
a little preserves.” 

“Couldn’t you get any better?” he demanded 
crossly. “You know I always want meat.” 

“I’m sorry, dear. I didn’t have enough money 
to get the meat.” 

“O, I see. Well, come on, we’ll make out the 
best we can,” and they entered the dining-room. 

Presently, the ringing of the bell announced the 
postman. Sybil sprang up instantly, trying to still 
the wild beating of her heart. 

“The mail,” she breathed, and left the room. 
She came back in a moment. “It’s from home,” 
she cried feverishly, breaking the seal. A check 
fell out — five thousand dollars, a sum beyond 
their wildest dreams. 


The Dawn of a New Era 


93 


“Look, dearest!” she exclaimed joyously. 
“Five thousand dollars! Can you believe it? O, 
God, I prayed so earnestly for this.” 

Stuart, equally as excited as she, gazed at it. 
“Lord! That’s great! It’ll tide us through, and 
leave a neat little sum for necessities.” 

But there was also a letter with the check, and 
Sybil was hastily unfolding it. 

“My sweet, darling child,” the letter ran. “We 
are sending you a little money. I hope it will help 
you. Would give my life to catch one glimpse of 
your beautiful face. 

“Love and devotion eternal, 

“Mother.” 

Tears stood in the wonderful eyes. 

“Precious, angel mother !” she murmured lin- 
geringly. 

Stuart did not hear her. The check completely 
absorbed his attention. 

“Lord, but I’m lucky in getting that to-day. 
Nothing ever looked as good to me before in my 
life.” 


CHAPTER XVII 


F OR the first few months that elapsed after 
Sybil had received the money, the impetu- 
ous Stuart was a changed man. Although he had 
taken possession of the check, he had been gener- 
ous with his family. He had paid off the most 
pressing debts and the interest on the others, and 
with the rest had bought the things that the fam- 
ily needed. 

Sybil rejoiced to think that she was the means 
of making him so happy, and her heart leaped as 
she went over in her mind his unusual kindness 
and thoughtfulness of herself. He had told her 
that morning, while kissing her, that he felt ten 
years younger since he had been relieved of those 
heavy debts that had been hanging over him and 
weighing him down body and soul. 

There had been a song in the little wife’s heart 
all day. How very, very much she had to be 
thankful for. Her precious children, what a joy 
and comfort they were to her. How infinitely 
proud she was of them. 

She was hurriedly finishing her housework in 
order to take them over to see their grandmother 
94 


The Dawn of a New Era 95 

and aunt. It was such a pleasure to her to wrap 
them up and take them over. Mrs. Stuart and 
Ruth were so deeply interested in everything 
about her husband. She was so anxious to tell 
them of his great happiness since the money had 
come, for he had told them on several occasions 
and in her presence how dissatisfied and discon- 
tented he was. The only thing that remained to 
trouble her was his refusal to attend church and 
Sunday-school. On that source, he remained firm. 
Perhaps Mrs. Stuart or Ruth might do something 
with him. She could not think of that long, how- 
ever, for her great happiness crowded out all else. 

With light step and joyous heart, she departed 
with her children to see them. 


CHAPTER XVIII 


A LL right, Mr. Stuart, the next letter, please,” 
Amelia spoke in businesslike tones. It was 
getting late and she was anxious to be home. 
Stuart laughed ' suddenly, and drew his chair 
nearer her. 

“Don’t write any more now,” he breathed. 
“Why?” she asked, raising her pretty brows. 
“You know why, Amelia. I want to talk to 


“You’re always wanting to talk to me, Mr. 
Man, now, aren’t you?” she asked a trifle nerv- 
ously. 

“Yes, but I don’t always get my wish.” 

“No?” 

“Now, listen. Have you made your prepara- 
tions for the trip to-morrow?” he inquired. “That 
case is really important,” he added, “and you’ll 
have to go along to take the depositions.” 

“O, I don’t want to go! I would just freeze. 
Anyhow, I don’t think you could manage it 
through this snow,” she looked out the window as 
she spoke and shivered slightly as she watched 
96 


The Dawn of a New Era 97 

its steady downfall. With what a magnificent 
robe of white it clothed the earth ! 

“The snow won’t bother us,” she heard Stu- 
art’s voice say. “You’ll just have to wrap up 
warmly, and we’ll have a jolly time, and not get 
a bit cold.” 

“I’m not so sure of that, Mr. Lawyer,” she 
replied, shaking her head. 

“You don’t have to be,” he said quickly. “Sim- 
ply trust all to me.” 

“Well, all right, then; what the ‘boss’ says goes, 
I suppose.” 

“That’s sensible, little woman. You’ll not re- 
gret it.” 

She arose abruptly. “If you haven’t any more 
work to do, I’ll go, Mr. Stuart.” 

“Let me help you with your coat.” He walked 
over to her, but she already had it on, and was 
hastily buttoning it. “What’s the matter with 
you, anyhow?” he demanded. 

“Matter with me?” she echoed tremblingly. 
“Why nothing, of course. What makes you 
ask?” 

“You seem nervous.” 

U, no. 

“Wait half a second, and I’ll walk down toward 
town with you,” and he reached for his own over- 
coat. 

“No, no; I’m in a hurry,” and she was gone. 


98 The Dawn of a New Era 

Stuart looked after her lithe, graceful form 
longingly. He couldn’t quite understand her of 
late. He pulled his coat-collar up slowly, and 
glanced about the room. Why did it look so cold 
and cheerless when she left it? The sweet inti- 
macy of their lives together thrilled him. Why 
did he confide little personal things to her that 
he did not even tell his own wife? he wondered 
vaguely. Why was it that her very presence so 
stimulated him that he almost forgot his troubles 
when with her. A strange fear clutched at his 
heart. What was it he had asked the Lord that 
very morning? “Lead us not into temptation.” 
But, as he was thinking earnestly of this, Satan 
whispered into his ear. “Why do you fear you 
are doing wrong?” the fiend seemed to say. 
“Don’t all men have women employees? They 
can’t afford men; they ask too much for their 
services. Besides, men can do plenty of other 
things; women should be allowed to do this. It 
is a great charity to take these poor women in 
and help them, and if a fellow happens to fall in 
love with a pretty girl, when he isn’t happy with 
his wife, what damage is done if he leaves her 
and weds the one of his love? There could be 
no more tyrannical form of punishment than to 
make a man live with a woman he doesn’t love 
or vica versa. 

“Thank heavens, our laws are liberal enough 


The Dawn of a New Era 


99 


and good enough to allow a fellow a little free- 
dom,” he said aloud. 

A few minutes later, he left for home, and the 
problems that arose before his mind were serious 
and of great importance. 


CHAPTER XIX 


HAT night, as Amelia Winter sat at her 



1 window, gazing out at the beautiful, clear 
sky with only the crescent moon and just a few 
twinkling stars dotted here and there, she was 
thinking of the lonely life she would have to live. 
If it was not for her work, she would go mad, 
and yet even that did not entirely fill her heart. 
Why could not she like other women have a happy 
home and loved ones? Once, only once she had 
had a love affair. A big, handsome man had 
asked to marry her and she had refused him be- 
cause he was not wealthy enough to satisfy her. 
She was only eighteen at the time, and how bit- 
terly she repented her decision now. He had 
married soon after she had refused him, and was 
now the happy father of three bright little chil- 
dren. Why had she been such a fool as to turn 
down the man she had once really loved because 
of his poverty? She had rather live in a hovel 
with some one to love and cherish her than to get 
the biggest salary possible and be compelled to 
live alone the remainder of her days. She sighed 


IOO 


The Dawn of a New Era ioi 

and rested her face in her hands, a habit she had 
when depressed. 

Stuart had seemed very devoted to her of late, 
and she could not quite understand it. She re- 
called now with what loving eyes he was wont to 
regard her. Only yesterday he had told her how 
fine was the color in her cheeks, and how sparkling 
her eyes. He had said how pretty she looked in 
her new dress and hat, and lastly what a bright, 
intellectual mind she possessed, and how it helped 
him in his work. But what remained in her mind 
longer than anything else, and gripped her whole 
being, was the idea of how necessary he thought 
she was to his very existence. He had just told 
her that very day that she was the heart and soul 
of his work, and how tenderly he had said it. 

She wondered why she never considered these 
personal compliments as insults; no other married 
man had ever said such things to her; and she 
knew Stuart confided things to her that he should 
tell no one but his own wife, and yet it did not 
displease her. She liked it; she loved to hear him 
compliment her, and nothing made her happier 
than for him to tell her she was pretty! 

But was there anything wrong in that? She 
loved admiration as all other women, and nature 
had endowed her with more charms than the ordi- 
nary woman, and she gloried in the knowledge. 
She arose and closed the window. The night-air 


102 The Dawn of a New Era 

was becoming cooler, and she would take cold if 
she sat there longer. She went over to the dress- 
ing-table and took some curlers from one of the 
drawers. 

“I shouldn’t worry over these things,” she said 
lightly, as she bent the last little kid curler around 
her hair. “Don’t all women try to look their 
best at all times? Certainly they do, if they’ve 
got a bit of pride.” Nevertheless, her conscience 
would not acquit her, and she sighed hopelessly. 

“I’m going to leave off the vanity cream to- 
night; I’m simply in no mood for such things. 
Never did I think as I’m doing now. I believe 
my head will split open.” Then, after a while, 
softly: “Yes,” with a dreamy look, “yes, I’m 
thinking to-night of a devoted mother, a splendid, 
big boy, a tiny, golden-haired fairy girl.” She 
walked over to the window again, and sat down 
with her face staring up at God’s glory. 

“But what I see behind that ghostly moon is a 
faithful, loyal wife. Am I playing fair?” 


CHAPTER XX 


H ELLO, folks, how’s everything?” cried a 
deep voice, as Stuart entered with his arms 
full of things for the children. 

They had been awaiting his coming anxiously. 
The night was unusually clear, and a great sheet 
of snow covered the earth. Stuart spread his 
hands out before the big grate-fire joyfully. 

“I’ll bet my kids were wondering why Dad 
didn’t come sooner — now own up? But I’ve been 
awful busy to-day; things are moving off splen- 
didly. Getting more business than I can ’tend to. 
I’ve got to go to Stanford to-morrow to take de- 
positions.” 

“O, Bert, not in all this snow!” Sybil protested. 
“I’ll go in a good, closed car, wrap up within 
an inch of my life, and never feel the weather. 
Sybil, here is ten dollars ; I want you to get some 
new clothes,” reaching in his pocket. “I’ve no- 
ticed you look sort of shabby lately.” 

“I have a nice, new cloth skirt and silk waist, 
and my shoes I bought last year are perfectly 
good — but you know I can’t put them on to work 
in. I know these I have on are horrid,” glancing 
103 


104 The Dawn of a New Era 

down, “but they’re good enough to wear for 
every-day use. I’m so tired to-night I just 
couldn’t put on another dress. I cleaned the 
kitchen-stove, mopped the floors, and did lots of 
extra jobs. That’s why I’m not looking particu- 
larly clean to-night, dear. I could never do the 
kind of work I do with high-heeled shoes on and 
a silk waist, but I’ll put on a nice, neat dress for 
your special benefit in the morning, dearest.” 

While she was speaking, Stuart could not help 
comparing her with Miss Winter. How tired 
and jaded she looked beside his fresh, young 
stenographer. Her shoes presented such an awk- 
ward, ungainly appearance compared with 
Amelia’s stylish, French-heeled boots that escaped 
meeting her short skirt just enough to reveal sev- 
eral inches of the shapely part of her lower limbs. 
Then there was such a difference between Sybil’s 
soiled, old house-dress and Amelia’s pretty 
georgette silk waist and smart short skirt. 

“What makes you so preoccupied?” Sybil asked 
suddenly. 

Stuart started. “I was only thinking of my 
case for to-morrow,” he answered hastily. “I’ll 
make a cool five hundred out of it. Sybil, I’ll 
have to have my breakfast at six sharp in the 
morning in order to get there in time,” he added 
carelessly. 

“Could I go with you to-morrow, Bert?” she 


The Dawn of a New Era 105 

asked eagerly. “I haven’t been away from home 
for such a long time. Do you realize it’s been 
five years since I’ve been out of this little town — 
I’m afraid I’ll forget how to behave in ‘com- 
pany,’ ” she added laughingly. “Please let me 
go, dear.” 

“How absurd!” he cried impatiently. “I’m go- 
ing exclusively on business and couldn’t possibly 
be bothered with you and the kids. Home’s the 
place for a mother, anyhow. Why should a 
woman be running around the country with her 
husband?” 

“Bert,” Sybil said quietly, “I don’t believe 
there’s a woman on earth that loves home more 
than I do, but somehow there’s a change coming 
over me — maybe my vision is broadening, but 1 
don’t think so; I think it’s just getting narrower. 
Every time I mention going anywhere with you, 
you tell me you are just going on ‘business.’ How 
many times have you taken Miss Winter with 
you, lately? Did you know that a wife doesn’t 
enjoy seeing her husband so devoted to another 
woman? I never fail to note your pleased ex- 
pression when Miss Amelia Winter’s name is men- 
tioned. I am afraid she is exercising a very dan- 
gerous influence over you. You don’t begin to 
take the interest in your home and family that 
you did before she came. I think opposite sexes 


io 6 The Dawn of a New Era 

are thrown together too intimately in busi- 
ness ” 

“The devil!” he interrupted curtly; “men don’t 
mix sentiment with business.” 

“Why is there so much scandal then?” came 
from her quickly. “The attraction of the op- 
posite sexes for each other is a deadly power and 
I tremble when I think of the danger you are in, 
Gilbert,” she continued in quick, anxious tones. 

“You are crazy, Sybil,” he broke in coldly. 
“All I want from any employee is good, honest 
service.” 

“Do you think business interests destroy the 
mating instincts?” she demanded. 

“I won’t reply to any more of your fool ques- 
tions,” he snapped. 

“Very well,” she returned quietly. “But you 
will have to answer this: Do you intend taking 
Miss Winter with you to-morrow?” 

“It’s none of your business. Attend to your 
own affairs, and let mine alone. My home and 
my business are two separate concerns,” he said 
shortly. 

“Didn’t you make my affairs your business 
when you saw Mr. Brantly pushing my baby’s 
carriage; he had only helped me over the rough 
crossing and then pushed the cart around the cor- 
ner. Do you remember what you said?” she 
asked steadily. 


The Dawn of a New Era 107 

“Yes, but a woman has to be mighty doggone 
careful about being seen with any other man than 
her husband,” he began irritably. 

“Yes, I know that; but I think a man should be 
equally as careful.” 

“O, Lord, no ! A man can do anything he 
wants to, and it’ll not hurt him.” 

“It’s not right!” she burst out quickly. “And 
God is not going to allow things to remain that 
way always. He’s a just God, and he expects 
right living from man as well as woman, and we’ll 
see that He has it, too, some day,” she said con- 
fidently. 

“All right; we’ll not argue, any how,” Stuart 
said good-humoredly. “Such things don’t bother 
me. All will be all right in the end, I suppose,” 
and he smiled carelessly. 

Sybil had breakfast ready by six o’clock the 
next morning, and Stuart was in high spirits. He 
told her she was a dear in her cute little percale 
dress, said her biscuits were delicious, and the 
coffee excellent. At any other time, she would 
have appreciated these simple compliments, but 
this morning they cast a gloomy feeling over her 
— an indescribable sense of despondence. She 
had resolved to do her duty as a wife, but all 
through the long, sleepless night she had prayed 
so hard that she might see things in a different 
light. She wanted so badly to be just, to see the 


108 The Dawn of a New Era 

right point of view, and not be silly and jealous; 
but it seemed, in spite of every effort, the green- 
eyed monster was trying to get possession of her. 
She was fast becoming suspicious of Stuart’s every 
move and this distrust of him was rendering her 
miserable. 

“Well, sweetheart, kiss me good-by,” Stuart 
exclaimed gaily, as he arose from the table. 

“No — never again do I want you to kiss me,” 
she said thickly, without turning her head. 

“All right then,” he cried lightly. “But I’ll bet 
the kids will!” looking inquiringly in their direc- 
tion. 

“ ’Es I ’ll, Dadda,” piped little Ruth. He 
caught her in his arms, then turned to Gilbert, 

Jr- 

“I ’spose I will,” the boy answered, slowly. 

Stuart departed almost immediately. He had 
not been gone ten minutes when the ’phone rang 
shrilly. Sybil answered. 

“Is this Mrs. Stuart?” 

“Yes.” 

“Stuart there?” 

“No, he has just left. Is there a message for 
him?” 

“I merely wanted to state that he need not 
bother with bringing a stenographer, as we are 
well supplied. But, pardon me, this is Mr. 
Cooper.” 


The Dawn of a New Era 109 

“Yes; I recognized your voice. Was that all?” 

The voice at the other end said yes, and she 
hung up the receiver. 

“Gilbert, Jr., darling, run immediately to the 
garage — perhaps you’ll see Daddy, and tell him 
Mr. Cooper said he need not take Miss Winter, 
that they had a full supply of stenographers, and 
he can save the extra expense. Hurry, dear.” 

“All right, Mother.” The door slammed be- 
hind his retreating form. 

He returned almost instantly: “I told him, 
Mother, but he jus’ said for me to trot myself 
back, that Cooper didn’t know what he was talk- 
ing ’bout, and that he was goin’ to take her any- 
way. Then he threw me a quarter and told me 
to buy some candy, and I did. Want some?” 

“Did he say when he’d be back?” she asked, 
while a wave of sickening fear took hold of her 
whole being. 

“No, he didn’t say a word about cornin’ back.” 

Sybil said nothing further; she sent Gilbert to 
school earlier than usual, and put little Ruth in 
her bedroom with some toys to amuse her; then 
she went about her own work. The first wave 
of crushing despondency with which she had re- 
ceived the news that Stuart was determined Miss 
Winter should go with him to Stanford had in a 
measure passed away, and other thoughts began 
to fill her brain. New resolutions were slowly 


no The Dawn of a New Era 

shaping themselves in her mind as she worked 
steadily at her tasks. Why was it that she had 
to stay at home and have babies when so many 
other women, who had been married twice as 
long as she had, never had a child; but on the 
other hand dressed beautifully and went where 
they pleased? What splendid times they had! 
How poor and barren her life appeared when 
compared to theirs ! Perhaps, if she would dress 
more, have fewer incumbrances, Stuart would pay 
her more attention and want to take her with him 
on his trips. 

Also, she might go to Sunday-school and 
church, and perhaps teach a Sunday-school class. 
She imagined she would enjoy such work. A 
friend of hers that taught a class was considered 
the most devout woman of the church, and yet she 
had never had a child. Could she not do more 
good in this way than by burying herself at home, 
especially could she do good if she went to see 
the sick and suffering. These thoughts were 
rapidly changing into resolutions. She finished 
her household duties a little after noon, and sat 
down with little Ruth by her side to further pon- 
der her newly formed plans. She determined to 
surprise Stuart when he reached home that night. 
If he was late, she would sit up for him; she re- 
solved to talk with him at all events, even if she 
had to wait until midnight. 


The Dawn of a New Era 


1 1 1 


Sybil put the children to bed early, and, pick- 
ing up a magazine, idly turned the leaves, her 
thoughts far into the future. 

“Yes, yes, I’m going to do it all; I’m going to 
carry out my plans to the fullest extent,” she re- 
solved as she sat there, heedless of time. The 
fire had begun to die out, but she was insensible 
to the cold. She was entranced. 

A heavy step rudely shattered her reverie; she 
sprang to her feet. A hasty glance at the clock 
showed her it was past eleven. Stuart was later 
than she had expected. 

“What!” he cried in surprise, as he swung the 
door open. “You up, Sybil?” 

“Yes, dear,” she smiled complacently. “I’m 
waiting for you.” 

“It’s a wonder you’re not frozen; look at that 
fire!” 

“O, it is nearly out, isn’t it?” she made a move 
toward it, but he stopped her. 

“No; I’ll attend to the fire. You’d better go 
to bed, Sybil,” he added over his shoulder. 

She thought there was a certain guilty air about- 
turn. “No, dear. I’ve some things to tell you 
to-night, even if it is late,” was the soft answer. 

“I’m sleepy. Can’t you wait until morning?” 
he asked peevishly. 

“I’m sorry, Gilbert, but I must talk to you 
now,” she replied firmly. 


1 12 The Dawn of a New Era 

“O, all right, if you’re determined. I hope 
you’re not going to give me a dressing up. Are 
you?” 

“If you mean quarrel with you — no. I haven’t 
the slightest idea of doing such a thing,” she 
smiled. 

“Well, cut loose,” as he seated himself near 
her. 

“First, I am going to get me a maid to-morrow. 
I’ll pay her with my pupils.” 

“Your what?” he gasped. 

“My voice-pupils,” she answered in steady 
tones. “A number of the young girls here have 
asked me to teach them; you know, I sang often in 
church when I first came here, and they discov- 
ered that I could teach. Well, many of them 
have asked me to give them voice-lessons from 
time to time, but I have heretofore refused be- 
cause my household duties and children kept me 
busy; but I shall do so no longer,” she ended 
firmly. 

“What are you going to do about your house- 
hold duties and children now?” he demanded. It 
was plainly evident the news of her decision did 
not please him. 

“The maid will attend to them,” she answered 
simply. 

“The maid will attend to them and the house 
also?” He did not attempt to conceal a sneer. 


The Dawn of a New Era 113 

“Yes. I have always done it alone, and I’ve 
decided a change of work will do me good.” 

“A devilish idea you’ve gotten into your head,” 
he cried, ironically. “Suppose you should have 
other children. I suppose the maid would man- 
age them, too.” 

“But I’m not going to have any other children,” 
came in decided tones, as she compressed her 
lips. 

“I wouldn’t be so sure of that. Suppose God 
would send you others despite your decision?” 

“God will never send me another child, because 
people don’t have to have children these days if 
they don’t want them.” He maintained a sullen, 
angry silence at that. “No,” the beautiful lips 
breathed, “we don’t have children these days un- 
less we want them, and I don’t want' 1 any more. 
Of course, I think a woman should have her al- 
lotted number, but we women have all become 
cowards. The temptation for having a good time 
is too great; we haven’t time to have babies.” 

The starry eyes were looking beyond him into 
the great and wonderful future spread before her. 
Stuart was fairly staring at her. Could this 
woman, who was so fearlessly stating her opin- 
ions, be his meek, submissive wife? It was im- 
possible. He had never credited her with such 
nerve. 

“Why, Sybil, I thought you were perfectly 


1 14 The Dawn of a New Era 

happy and contented with just living at home with 
the kids and me. I can’t understand you.” 

“Yes, I was once gloriously happy to stay at 
home always — I was happy as long as you were. 
But I’ve been dreaming dreams, and I’ve seen 
visions to-day. I’m afraid I can never be satisfied 
to do as I have done so long. I think a new age 
has dawned, an age in which women will assert 
their rights.” 

“I suppose you’re going to be a suffragette and 
wear the pants,” he broke in roughly. “I suppose 
you’ll want to vote, too. You’ve been thinking 
about a hellish lot of stuff that you’ll never real- 
ize. As for me, give me a woman that wants to 
stay in a woman’s place.” 

“Then dismiss your stenographer ; tell her she 
is out of her place, and get a man to do your 
work,” came in quick, sure tones, 

“Look here; it’s late, and I’ve got about 
enough of this foolishness. If you wish to talk 
any more of this rot, you’ll have to tell it to the 
walls; I’m going to bed,” he cried, kicking a rug 
out of the way as he stamped out of the room. 

A tear glistened in Sybil’s eye as she watched 
him in silence. She knelt and prayed earnestly 
for strength to carry out her purpose. 


CHAPTER XXI 


A WEEK later a quick nervous knock was 
heard at the door of Stuart’s office. Stuart 
jumped to his feet and Amelia turned to the type- 
writer, her slender fingers flying over the keys. 
“Come in!” 

Ruth entered, wildly excited. “Gilbert, the 
baby is sick. Sybil says for you to get a doctor 
and hurry home,” she panted. “Please hurry,” 
she cried impatiently, as he made no move to 
stir. 

“O, she can’t be very sick. She was as well as 
could be this morning, and I’m head over heels 
in work. But if you think the baby’s really in 

need of a doctor, why ” 

But she cut him short: “You can’t mean you’re 
not going home with me?” she demanded incredu- 
lously. 

“There’s no need of it. You women have just 
become excited over nothing; but if you want a 
doctor ” 

“Thank you, I’ll get the doctor,” came in biting 
tones. “But I’d hate to tell you what I think of 


ii 6 The Dawn of a New Era 

you, Gilbert Stuart!” She was gone in a flash, 
slamming the door behind her. 

Stuart laughed unpleasantly. Amelia turned 
her head. 

“What’s the matter?” she asked. 

“Nothing serious,” he smiled. “The baby had 
croup last night, and Sybil gets frightened if the 
children sneeze.” 

Ruth hurried back to Sybil, hot with rage. She 
hated her brother at that moment. Her little 
niece had taken ill suddenly that morning a short 
time after Stuart’s departure for town. Sybil had 
left the child for a few minutes in her chair, she 
had said, while she went into the kitchen to finish 
up her dishes. Faint cries had brought her 
quickly to the child, and she found her choking. 
The little girl had nothing at all in her mouth, 
and Sybil, in wild alarm, had sent Gilbert, Jr., 
for Ruth and her mother. She had then dis- 
patched Ruth in feverish haste for Stuart. 

“How is she?” breathed Ruth, as she entered 
the sick room. 

“Better, I think,” answered the elder Mrs. 
Stuart. 

Sybil, fear written in every line of her face, was 
holding the child, who was crying every breath. 

“Where’s Bert?” she asked frantically. 

“He was too busy, and didn’t think anything 


The Dawn of a New Era 117 

serious was ailing the child!” Ruth said as quietly 
as possible. 

“You can’t mean it?” cried Sybil. 

“Hush, dear,” soothed Stuart’s mother, put- 
ting her arms around her. “Listen! I think I 
hear the doctor.” 

“O, I hope it is him — Baby! Mother — she is 
choking — again! Oh, God save her!” 

The doctor entered and went to Sybil imme- 
diately, taking the baby from her trembling arms. 

“O, Dr. Townsend — will she die?” She fell 
on her knees and prayed desperately, for her 
child had gone into a spasm. 

Gilbert, Jr., who had been quiet until now, fell 
beside his mother. “What is it, Mother? Is 
little sister dying?” he asked tearfully. 

“O, Gilbert, pray for God to save little sister!” 

Mrs. Stuart and Ruth knelt beside her now. 
“You must be more calm, dear,” said the old 
lady. “If it be God’s will, he’ll save her. I’ve 
been praying earnestly.” 

“Oh, how I, too, have been praying!” cried 
Ruth, almost as frantic as Sybil. 

Everything grew deathly still. The baby had 
ceased crying. Those fearful, gurgling sounds in 
her little throat had stopped. 

Dr. Townsend said calmly: “You all must be 
calm. I did all I could, but God has seen fit 


to- 


1 1 8 The Dawn of a New Era 

“Tell me quick, Doctor; she isn’t ” 

“Yes, Mrs. Stuart; your little one has gone to 
a better land.” 

“Give me my baby!” she took the lifeless form 
from the Doctor; but he nodded meaningly at 
Mrs. Stuart, and taking the child, he motioned 
for the grandmother to follow him. “Some one 
must get word to Stuart at once,” he said when 
they were out of hearing. 

“Yes. Can’t you tell him, Doctor?” 

“I’ll tell him. I pass directly by there, and 
I’ll stop,” and he left the room. 

Ruth was vainly trying to calm Sybil when Dr. 
Townsend entered the room. 

“I sympathize with you greatly, Mrs. Stuart; 
may God bless and comfort you.” 

“Mother, don’t cry,” little Gilbert hugged her, 
his handsome little face, so like his father’s, gaz- 
ing at her bravely. 

“O, son, the Lord has taken my baby!” 

In about fifteen minutes, the door was flung 
open suddenly and Stuart entered. His wife was 
in Ruth’s arms, convulsed with grief. Gilbert, 
Jr., was not in the room. The little fellow had 
borne it as long as he could, and now he was with 
his grandmother in the bedroom, sobbing in her 
arms. 

Stuart went at once to his wife. At sight of 
him she sprang into his arms. 


The Dawn of a New Era 


119 

“You must be brave, sweetheart,” he soothed. 
“Oh, but Gilbert — my baby! Why did God 
take her?” 


CHAPTER XXII 


T HE years that passed so slowly for the old 
General in Charlotte passed equally as 
slowly for Sybil. Another heartrending sorrow 
had been added to her burden. A few months 
after her baby’s death she received the news that 
her mother, too, had passed to a Better Land. 
Dorothy had sent her the telegram, and since 
then she had clung all the closer to her husband 
and son, guarding them with brooding tenderness. 
Her very life was wrapped in them, and her con- 
stant prayer was: “O, Lord, don’t ever take 
them from me, and I’ll be so good — so good!” 

Stuart had run for county judge again, only to 
be overwhelmingly defeated. The election had 
occurred a few months previously and Stuart had 
spent the greater part of his money in the race, 
thereby being reduced to meager circumstances 
again. He had once more become sullen and 
morose. His changed attitude hurt Sybil pain- 
fully, but she could do nothing but bear it as 
cheerfully as possible. She had remarked to him 
recently that he should give up Miss Winter, be- 
cause they were too poor to pay a stenographer; 


120 


The Dawn of a New Era 12 1 

but he had become so angry at the suggestion that 
she had trembled with fear and had never dared 
mention it to him again. He cut her so short 
whenever she addressed him on any subject that 
she scarcely ever spoke to him now unless it was 
absolutely necessary, and bore all in silence. 

Each day she grew more and more miserable ; 
she felt that she would die if affairs continued as 
they were much longer. 

Gilbert, Jr., now a big sturdy, handsome boy, 
watched his father’s treatment of his mother with 
steadily increasing anger. 

Sybil was in the living-room one night, reading 
to Gilbert, Jr. He exclaimed: “That’s a ripping 
good story, Mother; read me another.” 

She was about to obey when a heavy, stumbling 
step was heard on the porch. Sybil sprang to her 
feet. It was late, but Stuart had acquired the 
habit of coming home at all hours of the night 
and therefore was not at home now. Those stag- 
gering footsteps could not be his, and he was not 
there to protect them. But before she had time 
for further thought the door was hurled open, 
and Stuart himself, with red, swollen eyes, and 
hot, labored breath, reeled into the room. 

“Gilbert!” Sybil gasped in wild surprise. “Gil- 
bert — why — you’re drunk!” 

“D-drunk — am I — eh?” he leered, his mouth 
hanging loosely. “I’ll sh-show you ” 


122 The Dawn of a New Era 

“Stop ! Don’t come one step nearer. Do you 
hear? Stand back, you brute!” she screamed, in 
mad anger, backing away from him. This great, 
repulsive man was not her husband, not the man 
she loved. 

“Brute — am I — er — we’ll see — I’ll show you,” 
he followed her, staggering, his big hand raised 
to strike. 

“Daddy!” Scorn, indignation, repulsion, com- 
mand — all rang in the clear, young voice of Gil- 
bert, Jr., as he leaped before his mother and con- 
fronted his father, his fists clenched tightly. For 
a single instant the man seemed to come to his 
senses, but for a moment only. He was too drunk 
to notice anything long. 

“Get — g-get out o’ my way, d’ye hear, you 
young — s-scamp! I’ll kill you!” He slapped the 
boy full in the face, and darted for Sybil. Her 
blazing eyes daunted him, and his arm fell weakly. 

“D — don’t call me that — again,” he com- 
manded, as he sank into a chair nearby. He was 
helpless in this condition and was not responsible 
for his actions, as Sybil realized at last when her 
anger had in a measure spent itself. Next came 
the decision that she must get him to bed at once. 
She looked at the huddled, drunken form. Ugh! 
How could she touch him? 

“Gilbert, Jr., you’ll have to help Mother get 
Daddy to bed. Will you?” 


The Dawn of a New Era 123 

“No!” The boy drew back haughtily. 

“Gilbert, you mustn’t talk that way to me. We 
must get Daddy to his room. He’ll recover when 
he sleeps all night. Come, dear, and help me.” 

The boy hesitated a moment, then glanced at 
Stuart, his lip curling in disgust, as he proffered 
his assistance. 

Sybil lay awake all night, crying and praying. 
Although Stuart had been drinking frequently of 
late, he had never been in this condition before. 
She positively could not endure this any longer. 
Another scene like this could not occur. But what 
would she do? What could she do? She loved 
her husband, but not this repulsive brute who had 
come home drunk to-night. Stuart must promise 
her never to touch another drop of liquor. But 
would he keep such a promise? 

Her heart surged in hot rebellion against her 
husband. She could never love him again. He 
had almost struck her. The thought was mad- 
dening. 

Sybil arose early and prepared breakfast. She 
would let him eat that before what must follow. 
Gilbert, Jr., she did not rouse, and they ate in 
silence, Stuart with an embarrassed, self-conscious 
air. 

“Now, Gilbert, you’ll please explain last night’s 
escapade,” the rich voice said quietly when they 
had finished and entered the living-room. 


124 The Dawn of a New Era 

Stuart gazed at her sheepishly, without reply- 
ing. 

“You needn’t try to avoid me this time, be- 
cause you can’t do it. You’ll have to explain 
everything,” she cried quickly. 

At that he shot her a queer, questioning glance 
from beneath his heavy brows. “You really want 
me to explain everything?” he began slowly, look- 
ing at her intently. 

“Of course, I do.” 

“Sybil — I don’t know whether I can or not,” 
he hesitated, still watching her closely. A wave 
of pity surged over him; she did not know what 
she was asking, and could he tell her all? 

“What do you mean? I’m waiting,” the im- 
perious voice broke in, impatiently. 

“I’m sorry, Sybil — I wanted to spare you ” 

He stopped abruptly. 

“Spare me? I don’t understand. Please be 
quick, Gilbert.” 

“All right then — I’m going to tell you all.” He 
stopped for an instant and his voice sank to a 
dreamy monotone as he continued: “Our ways 
have drifted strangely apart; we have ceased to 
care for each other.” 

At his words Sybil caught at a chair for sup- 
port. “Gilbert, what are you saying?” 

“You no longer love me,” the voice continued, 
not heeding the interruption, “and — I have ceased 


The Dawn of a New Era 125 

to care for you.” Sybil’s hands flew to her throat 
as though something were choking her. “I’m 
glad that at last we can come to an understand- 
ing,” the voice floated to her vaguely. “I’m glad 
I can talk plainly. I’ve been miserable, wretched, 
for a long time. My troubles have almost driven 
me to suicide, and to drown them I began to 
drink, though never to excess until last night. I 
was so utterly wretched that I gave myself up 
entirely to the cursed thing, and came home in the 
condition you found me. I’m heartily ashamed 
of myself, but at last I’ve found a solution to the 
problem. Sybil, I can’t go on living with one 
woman when I love another.” 

“Gilbert! You can’t love this woman — you 
can’t love Miss Winter ! It surely is only a tem- 
porary physical attraction.” 

“Yes, Sybil, I love her madly, passionately.” 

For a moment Sybil stood still, while all the 
color fled from her face, leaving it deadly white. 
Stuart watched her in pitying silence, waiting for 
her to regain her composure and to realize what 
he was going to do. When she looked at him 
again, he thought her eyes had never appeared so 
wonderful. 

“I want to say something to you, Gilbert, be- 
fore you go. You must never think I did not 
love you. I would not have left a home of lux- 
ury to marry a poor, unknown lawyer and would 


126 


The Dawn of a New Era 


never have braved the scorn and indignation of 
my parents had I not loved you devotedly. There- 
fore, you must not think that I do not love you 
now, because I do and always shall. I know this 
woman has infatuated you, but in time it will pass 
away. I’m not pleading with you to give her up, 
understand,” she added hastily, “because I know 
it would do no good. But when this blind in- 
fatuation passes away, I pity you from the depths 
of my soul, because you will be truly miserable.” 

“Good-by, Sybil, I hope you will soon forget 
me, and ” 

“Daddy, are you going to leave us?” cried a 
quick, clear voice, and both turned instantly to 
see Gilbert, Jr., in his nightrobe, standing in the 
doorway, his fine, young eyes full of wonderment 
and surprise. 

“My son!” Stuart’s voice wavered. 

The boy’s bare feet made no sound as he 
quickly crossed the room and was by their side. 
“I don’t understand,” he said, looking up into his 
father’s face in amazement. “Do you mean you 
are going away and leave us — forever — Daddy?” 

Sybil’s eyes slowly filled as she watched the 
sturdy, boyish figure tremble in astonishment not 
unmingled with anger. 

“I’m going away for a little while, son — then 
I’m coming back,” the man lied, uncertainly. 

“No, Daddy — you can’t fool me. I heard part 


The Dawn of a New Era 127 

of what you and Mother were saying — and you 
can’t fool me.” 

“Hush, darling; you mustn’t question Daddy. 
He’ll come back, after a while. He’s in a hurry 
now. Kiss him good-by,” broke in the soft, sweet 
voice of Sybil, a trifle unsteadily. 

“No!” cried the child, instantly. “He hit me 
last night, and I won’t kiss him. If he leaves 
you, Mother, I’ll work for you and make you a 
living. I’ll take Daddy’s place; I can do it,” with 
a defiant glance at Stuart. “And I won’t fuss at 
you, either. Go on if you want to; we can make 
it all right. Good-by,” and the splendid little 
figure straightened proudly, as he looked his 
father full in the eyes. 

“Good-by, son. Won’t you kiss me?” 

“No; I’ll never kiss you again.” 

The boy’s words cut him like steel, but, with- 
out answering, Stuart turned quickly and left 
them. 


CHAPTER XXIII 


S TUART’S brows were knit in deep study as 
he emerged from the scene with his wife and 
slowly made his way downtown. Things were in 
a fearful jumble and had been for a long time. 
His face burned with shame as he thought of his 
loyal wife and brave, manly son. They had been 
through much together. Yet how could he resist 
the attractions of his beautiful, young stenogra- 
pher? Why hadn’t he let things run along as 
they had been doing? He even began to regret 
that he had told his wife he loved his stenogra- 
pher; he had been able to be with her a great 
part of the time as it was. But it was too late 
now for remorse; he had played the fool’s part 
and must abide by it. No, he assured himself 
after a while, he did not mind so very much. He 
could not be satisfied after all with just having 
her during the day; he wanted her always, to 
have ever near him. 

He had really ceased to love his wife, and 
hoped in time she would stop caring for him. He 
was confident she would at last, after they had 
been separated for several years. How strange 
128 


The Dawn of a New Era 129 

the ways of life. He realized perfectly that he 
had worshipped Sybil when he asked her to marry 
him — would once have given his very life-blood 
to hear the soft, wonderful voice speak one word 
of love to him ; and now, how different everything 
had become! How strangely their paths had 
drifted apart. But he was confident he did not 
love her any more, and it was a sin to live with 
one woman and love another. 

Then his thoughts reverted to Amelia, and his 
steps quickened as a great resolve began to shape 
itself in his mind. All thoughts of home and 
family were gone now; there was only one thing 
that he would think of after this. 

As Stuart opened the door of his office, a 
strange sight met his eyes. Miss Winter was sit- 
ting by her desk, her head buried in her arms and 
her lithe form shaking with sobs. 

“Miss Winter.” Stuart stopped in surprise. 
She started as from a blow, and, seeing who it 
was, flushed scarlet. 

“Mr. — Mr. Stuart!” she cried in a choking 
voice. 

With one giant stride, he was by her side. 

“Amelia, I love you!” he breathed in burning 
tones, as he swept her into his arms. Every 
muscle in his body thrilled at the contact. 

“I — I ” she faltered, aghast. “What do 


130 The Dawn of a New Era 

you mean, Mr. Stuart? Are you mad?” She 
struggled to release herself. 

“I was never more sane in my life.” His voice 
vibrated with intense emotion, as he pressed her 
to him with crushing force. “We’re going away 
— together — Amelia, little one; we’re going to- 
day.” 

“No, no. Mr. Stuart, release me at once.” 

“Never! You’re going to be mine, darling, do 
you hear?” His hot breath beat down into her 
face. She shivered in wild, exquisite joy. 

“Listen to me, my own. I’m going to explain 
everything to you right here in these strong arms 
that shall henceforth enfold you. No, don’t 
struggle, sweetheart; you can’t get away from 
me. Be quiet and I’ll tell you all. You need 
have no qualms of conscience regarding my wife; 
we have ceased to care for each other. I am 
nothing to her, and she is nothing in the world to 
me. I love no one but you, my precious little 
one. I want you to understand that if nothing 
else ” 

“Mr. Stuart, you must release me at once. 
This is absolute insanity.” 

“Hush! Don’t interrupt me. I love you and 
only you. My wife and I had a thorough under- 
standing this morning, and we have agreed it is 
best to separate. We’ve grown strangely apart, 
and could never be happy together again. Sybil 


The Dawn of a New Era 13 1 

is not the same woman I married in any respect; 
she’s nothing but a religious fanatic, and for the 
last two years she has been jealous of my every 
move. I can’t live with her; it’s impossible. I’m 
going to marry you immediately, and she won’t 
care at all; she has an old sweetheart that’s crazy 
as a loon about her even to this day. He’d marry 
her any minute she named, and you must have 
known all along that I loved you, dear. My ac- 
tions must have shown you that. The only ques- 
tion on earth remaining now is : Do you care for 
me, my little sweetheart, Amelia?” 

He bent his face until it touched her hair. The 
perfume of it surged over him, made his senses 
reel. 

‘‘Darling, I love you, I love you,” his lips 
pressed hers. He laughed as she tried desper- 
ately to free herself, and kissed her again and 
again, on the forehead, the lips, the cheeks, the 
white throat. 

“My mate, my little mate, we were intended 
for each other at first.” 

“Mr. Stuart ” she quivered. 

“Say ‘Gilbert,’ ” the voice at her ear demanded 
impetuously. She closed her eyes blindly. “Say 
it!” vehemently. 

“Gilbert,” the bird-like voice trembled at last. 

“Say ‘I love you.’ Say it!” 

“I — I — love you ” 


I3 2 


The Dawn of a New Era 


“Do you mean it, Amelia? Do you really love 
me?” His voice came thick and hoarse with 
passion. 

“I — worship you — but I’m afraid we are com- 
mitting a great and unpardonable sin,” she shiv- 
ered with fear. 

“I don’t care. Nothing matters except that you 
love me. My own, say it again.” 

“Oh, I can’t help it. I love you, Gilbert. God 
forgive me if I am wronging a good wife; you 
are the only man on earth I ever cared for — and 

I love you — I worship you ” His lips were 

crushing hers again and she stopped. “But stop 
— wait! I’m afraid — I’m afraid.” The little fig- 
ure shuddered and her voice broke. 

“Afraid of what?” he demanded in the in- 
solence of his strength. “There’s no harm in 
what we’re doing. Folks get divorces and marry 
again every day of the world; the breaking up of 
family ties is better than to live a life of un- 
happiness.” 

“Oh, I’m so unhappy about it.” 

“And you’re not convinced yet — must I argue 
with you still more, dear?” He was a trifle im- 
patient. 

“I’ve always believed in divorce — it’s not that. 
It’s — it’s your glorious little wife. I can feel her 
big, soulful eyes full of reproach and anger on 
me now. Some way, I’ve always sort of wor- 


133 


The Dawn of a New Era 

shipped her, held her as my ideal. O, Gilbert, 
I’m afraid we’re not doing right.” She had 
escaped from his arms, and was leaning her head 
wearily against the wall. 

“I shan’t listen to another bit of that. You’re 
mine, I tell you — mine alone — my mate, my love, 
and I’m going to marry you.” He held out his 
arms as he spoke. “Amelia, come ! Kiss me and 
say you’ll do exactly as I wish.” The deep, musi- 
cal voice thrilled every fiber in her body, but still 
something held her back. 

“It is done continually. Yes, darling, we’re 
doing what is perfectly right. You must listen to 
a little reason. All the world is on our side; only 
a few religious fanatics don’t believe in divorce. 
Aren’t about one-half the cases in our courts 
divorce-cases, and don’t we make more easy 
money through granting divorces than any other 
way? Why, dear, it’s even fashionable these days 
to get a divorce. You mustn’t be silly, my own. 
We’ll go out West, love — that’s the land of di- 
vorce. The divorcees are the leaders of the best 
society, sweetheart, and my brilliant little wife is 
going to be the ‘swellest’ one of them all. I’m 
going to spend the remainder of my life trying 
to make you happy, dearest, and you can’t possi- 
bly refuse to comply fully with my plans. You 


“I can’t — I can’t — I’m afraid.” 


134 The Dawn of a New Era 

“Amelia, come. Once we are married, I prom- 
ise you you’ll never know the word, fear, again. 
Darling, come.” 

She could withstand his pleading no longer. 
Softly, fearfully, joyously, she glided to him, felt 
his strong arms enfold her, and then all was 
blackness. 


CHAPTER XXIV 



HERE’S no other way on earth, General. 


l Don’t be a fool. You know I love you 
better than any one in the world now that — that 
Dad’s gone. You’ve simply got to let me pay 
off this mortgage and come live with you.” The 
voice of Jack Carpenter rang out in quick, deter- 
mined tones. 

“I know, Jack, I know, boy, but it’s hard, it’s 
hard. I realize I’m virtually a pauper now. All 
my money’s gone. Still, I hate like the devil to 

have you spend your money on me. I ” the 

old man wavered. 

“Hush! Not another word. Why, General, 
I’m almost a millionaire. I’m a United States 
Senator, but I’m lonely, and you’ll render me the 
most miserable man in existence if you don’t give 
up this infernal pride and let your best friend help 
you. You’re seventy and very feeble; you’ll not 
live so very much longer, and you’ve just got to 
make me the happiest man on earth by complying 
with my wishes. Now, I’m not going to let you 
refuse again, General,” as the aged veteran lifted 
one hand in weak protest. “I’m not going to do 


136 The Dawn of a New Era 

it. Why, General, don’t you want me to live with 
you?” 

“Yes, yes, boy — you don’t understand. I love 
you and nothing would make me happier than for 
you to be with me always. But I don’t like for 
you to waste your money on a worthless old fool 
like me. I ” 

“Not another word! I’m going to Booth’s 
immediately and settle up with him. In two more 
days I’m going to take up my abode with you. 
Gosh, General, we’ll be as happy as two school- 
boys when we get to living together. We’ll go 
fishing every week, and our jaunts in God’s big 
woods will prolong your life a number of years. 
Good-by, General. I’ll be back in a couple of 
hours and report my success. Good-by.” 

The door slammed behind the vanishing figure, 
and he was gone before the General came to his 
senses. 

The old man got up instantly and opened the 
door, only to see the Senator’s car turn a corner 
far down the street and disappear. With a half 
shameful, half joyful ejaculation, General Hunt- 
ington closed the door, went back to his chair, 
and sat down again. 

Four long, weary years had passed in which 
the old man could find no joy. His wife’s death 
had opened his eyes to his cruelty to his daughter 
for all these years, but it was too late then to 


The Dawn of a New Era 137 

atone and he had suffered agonies since, of which 
no mortal had any conception. His business part- 
ner, Jack’s father, had died, too, soon after his 
wife’s death, and the General had grieved bitterly 
for his departed partner. Jack’s frequent visits 
were the only bright spots in the old man’s life. 
He had lost all his money in the last year in hope- 
less investments and his old homestead had been 
mortgaged. All these griefs had made of the 
once strong, commanding General Huntington, 
a weak, white-haired old man, had made of him 
a mere shadow of his former self. 

Jack Carpenter loved the old General dearly, 
and knew that in his weakened condition he could 
not live many years longer; therefore, he had de- 
cided to pay off the mortgage on his palatial home, 
assume all his expenses, and make his home with 
him. The young man had been miraculously for- 
tunate. He had rapidly climbed the ladder of 
success and reached the top. He became the man 
of the hour, the idol of his age. His strong per- 
sonality, firm resolution, brilliant opinions, and 
marvelous magnetism had brought him to the sen- 
ator’s chair. No man in history was known to 
have risen so quickly. His every action was re- 
ported, his every word set down. His smile was 
considered the greatest honor, his frown the 
greatest misfortune. 

But he had never married; that was the one 


138 The Dawn of a New Era 

thing the world could not understand, the one 
thing at which it marveled. How a man with 
his talents, his strong personality, could have re- 
mained single, it could not grasp. 

Though he was pleasant and sympathetic to all 
women, he had never spoken one word of love to 
any; no woman had been able to boast of Senator 
Carpenter’s affections. But, anyhow, he was their 
hero, their idol, and they could overlook his 
strange ways; they could afford to humor his 
whims. Jack would smile sadly to himself on 
noticing the world’s apparent wonderment of his 
remaining single. He had never met nor seen a 
woman like his old-time sweetheart, Sybil Hunt- 
ington; therefore, he had never married. 

Two hours later General Huntington raised 
his white head from its bowed position on his 
arms to see the door flung suddenly open, and 
Senator Jack Carpenter, with radiant face, enter. 
He reached the General’s side with a bound, and, 
slapping him on the back with a firm hand, cried 
triumphantly : 

“Well, General, I’ve fixed everything O. K. 
Your mortgage is paid, and I’ll be living with you 
in two days. We’ll go partners in everything. 
That’s good news for you, eh, General!” 

“Jack, my boy, I can never thank you enough 
for this. I didn’t want you to do it, but now that 
it’s done, I’m glad. You’re a fine boy, Jack, the 


139 


The Dawn of a New Era 

best I ever saw.” The old General put his arm 
about Jack as he spoke, the tears coursing slowly 
down his withered cheeks. 

Jack kept his promise; he went to work at 
once, and within two days, he had established 
himself in the beautiful old home of General 
Huntington. 

One evening, a week after Jack had taken up 
his abode with his old friend, he looked up from 
the paper he had been reading, and announced in 
firm tones: 

“General, the sale of liquor is going to be 
stopped throughout our country. The rotten 
poison has been a curse since the beginning of 
time. Read this, or, if you like, I’ll read it to 
you. Listen : 

“ ‘Just think for a moment of the marvelous 
progress of the temperance movement in the last 
five years. Five more years and the manufacture 
of alcoholic liquors in the U. S. will be stopped. 
As a material issue, prohibition would have failed, 
but as a moral one it has won triumph. The con- 
viction that the liquor traffic is a destructive evil 
has dawned upon the people and there is no 
doubt that this conviction is due to the influence 
of our women. Prohibition made little progress 
as long as men controlled the politics of the coun- 
try, but it has been accomplished in a large meas- 
ure through the rapidly increasing power of 
women.’ ” 


140 The Dawn of a New Era 

“I tell you, General, its interesting to watch the 
rapid advancement of the New Woman Move- 
ment, and there are going to be some other curses 
exterminated also, that are corrupting our land. 

“We need strong, courageous, Christian men to 
cooperate with these good women in their task 
of applying the practical principles of religion in 
our land. We must destroy the conditions which 
create trouble and suffering if we would have hap- 
piness in our country. We have the greatest 
government in the world, but do you know that we 
are allowing some laws to remain on our statute 
books that are causing a great deal of unnecessary 
trouble and suffering among our people. I want 
to tell you something, General. There is going 
to be a radical change in the moral sentiment of 
our land. I feel it coming. Business is going to 
be reorganized on Christian principles. Do you 
realize who is bringing about this revolution?” 
he asked, looking at his old friend thoughtfully. 
“It is our women! They are demanding justice,” 
he said confidently, bringing his fist down forcibly 
on the arm of his chair. 


CHAPTER XXV 


OU must go to school now, darling; you’ll 



X be late,” said the gentle voice of Sybil, as 
she handed Gilbert, Jr., his lunch and kissed him 
tenderly. 

“All right, Mother, I’ll go. Good-by. Don’t 
worry while I’m gone, Mother,” the boy’s voice 
choked. “I’ll take care of you, same as Daddy 
did; don’t worry.” He hesitated uncertainly. 

“I won’t, my own little man. Good-by.” Sybil 
made a great effort to steady her own voice. The 
boy bit his lip to keep back the tears as he kissed 
his mother once more, and, swinging his books 
over his shoulder, opened the door, and with 
quick, buoyant strides was soon out of sight. But 
he did not go to school. His young mind fully 
realized the weight put on his own shoulders 
now that his father had gone. There would be 
no more time for school with him — he must find 
work and at once. His mind had been hastily 
made up as to what he would do. He would first 
go to Sanders’ grocery, he knew they were short 
of help, and apply for a position. He had not 
told his mother of his quickly formed plans; he 


142 The Dawn of a New Era 

wanted to give her a pleasant surprise. His steps 
quickened into a run as he came in sight of the 
large grocery store of John Sanders, the biggest 
business man in Riceville. In spite of himself, 
his heart fluttered as he swung open the door and 
entered. It was Saturday and a busy day for 
Sanders’s grocery. Walking to one of the clerks, 
Gilbert asked in business-like tones: 

“I want to speak with Mr. John Sanders, 
please. Where’ll I find him?” 

The clerk recognized the boy and smiled. 
“Why, howdy, Gil — what do you want with Mr. 
Sanders?” he asked curiously. 

“Want to see him on business. Where’ll I find 
him?” was the curt reply. 

“O, I see. Well, you’ll find Mr. John Sanders 
in his office, little Mr. Stuart. May I conduct 
you there?” 

“If you please, sir.” Gilbert walked beside the 
clerk bravely, but with a trembling heart. Now 
that he was actually here, he began to grow nerv- 
ous. The boy knew John Sanders to be a stern, 
cold, business man. Would he accept his services ? 
But they were at the office-door. 

“Wait here a moment, son,” the man by his 
side said, as he rapped on the door. 

A gruff voice from within called: “Come in.” 

Gilbert braced himself and boldly awaited the 
clerk’s reappearance. 


The Dawn of a New Era 143 

“Mr. Sanders says you may enter,” the clerk 
said, as he opened the door. Gilbert thanked him 
and entered without hesitation. A thick, heavy 
set man with short, cropped hair and watery eyes, 
peered over his spectacles impatiently. 

“Well?” he said shortly. 

“I — I came to apply for a position. I want 
you to let me be your delivery-boy,” the boy be- 
gan, fearlessly. 

“O — you do?” the head of the firm answered, 
amusedly. “Suppose you heard I was out of one, 
eh? Well, boy, I’m sorry, but I’ve got one en- 
gaged; he begins work Monday.” 

“Is — isn’t there anything else I could do, sir? 
I’d be willing to do anything,” Gilbert asked 
eagerly. 

“I’m sorry, but I have nothing else at present; 
maybe at some later date, I can accommodate 
you. You’re a plucky lad, though, and I like you. 
Good morning; I’m busy now.” 

“Then there’s nothing at all I could do, sir?” 
The disappointment was almost overwhelming. 

“No, nothing at present. Good morning.” Mr. 
Sanders turned to his desk and began to write 
rapidly. The boy left immediately. 

Although greatly disappointed, Gilbert had no 
notion of giving up. There was another grocery 
two blocks farther down, and perhaps he might 
find work there. He reached in one of his pockets 


144 


The Dawn of a New Era 


and took out a little silver watch his father had 
given him two years ago. It was ten o’clock. He 
still had ample time to search for a job, and he 
was fully determined to get one before he re- 
turned home. On reaching Johnson’s grocery, he 
found Mr. Johnson, himself, standing out in front 
of the store talking with a tall, well dressed man, 
who held a small hand-bag. 

Gilbert tapped Mr. Johnson on the arm. The 
big fellow turned around instantly, and at sight of 
the boy uttered an exclamation. 

“Why, hello, Gilbert, Jr. What can I do for 
you, lad?” he asked pleasantly. 

“I’m lookin’ for a job, Mr. Johnson. I thought 
maybe you might need a boy to run errands, 


“Why, bless my soul! And you want me to 
give you a job?” 

“Yes, sir, I’ll do anything, Mr. Johnson,” he 
began entreatingly. 

“Well, son, I’m awful sorry, but I’ve got more 
employees now than I need. Have you tried 
Sanders?” 

“Yes, sir; he doesn’t need anybody either,” the 
boy answered with an effort. 

“I’ll tell you what you could do, little fellow,” 
the stranger said at that moment, in a low, well 
modulated voice. Gilbert, Jr., looked up at him 


The Dawn of a New Era 145 

quickly. “Why don’t you sell papers — I notice 
you haven’t many paper boys here.” 

Gilbert, Jr.’s face brightened instantly. He had 
not thought of that. “Thank you, sir,” he said 
gratefully, in his rich, young voice. “I’m mighty 
much obliged,” and he was off like a flash. 

“A handsome little chap, that,” the stranger 
remarked, glancing after the retreating form. 

“Yes, and a fine one,” the grocer replied heart- 
ily. 

It was dark, and Sybil was anxiously awaiting 
the return of her boy. He had not been home at 
four o’clock — the time school was dismissed — and 
it was now six. 

Sybil had been urged to live with Stuart’s 
mother, but she realized that was impossible. 
Although she loved Mrs. Stuart, and knew it 
would cause her pain, Sybil was firm in her re- 
solve to make her own way in the world. She 
was trying to form her plans when the voice of 
the boy was heard crying joyously as he mounted 
the steps: 

“Good news! Good news!” He opened the 
door noisily. “Mother, I’ve got grand news for 
you,” he continued enthusiastically, as he reached 
into his pocket and, taking out one big silver dol- 
lar, triumphantly placed it in the trembling palm 
of his wondering mother. “I’ve a job as paper 
boy, Mother — and see what I’ve brought you!” 


146 The Dawn of a New Era 

“My boy!” Sybil’s voice was scarcely audible. 

“Why, Mother — don’t you understand?” he 
asked reproachfully. “I said when Daddy left 
you I was goin’ to make a livin’ for you — and I’m 
a paper boy. Don’t you see?” 

With a little cry of joy the mother threw her 
arms about him, sobbing as if her heart would 
break. 

Long after Sybil had put Gilbert to bed, she 
sat staring into the fire. Her heart seemed to 
have turned to stone. She could shed no tears 
now as she had done when her baby died. Then 
she had been able to lean on Stuart’s arm and feel 
his strong support; but now, now who could she 
go to for comfort and protection. Her father 
would never receive her. Jack Carpenter flashed 
through her mind. She knew Jack worshipped 
her above aught else on earth; she felt this in- 
stinctively, and she also knew that he would gladly 
receive her with open arms. But it was impossible 
to go to him. She was still a married woman, and 
her husband was living. There was no one now 
to turn to save God. Heretofore, she had been 
so concerned with temporal pleasures that she had 
left a very small space in her heart for God. 

With sudden decision she picked up a little 
Bible lying on the table by her side. How musty 
it smelled as she opened it! She turned a few 
leaves and her eyes fell on these lines: “But we 


147 


The Dawn of a New Era 

glory in tribulations; knowing that tribulation 
worketh patience; and patience, experience; and 
experience, hope.” These words seemed to burn 
like a red-hot iron into her brain. 

‘‘Where, Lord, could there ever be any hope 
for me?” she prayed in agony. She prayed on, 
but her prayer seemed to avail nothing; she could 
get no comfort. The words ascended but the 
heart remained heavy as lead. 

“Let me die right here, dear Lord; I have noth- 
ing to live for. But,” catching herself suddenly, 
she cried out: “Oh, my precious son, my precious 
boy, I had almost forgotten you. Forgive me!” 
Then she lifted her eyes again to Heaven. “Thou 
hast given me the greatest treasure, Lord. I am 
beginning to see that I needed this trouble to bring 
me to Thee. O, dear Father, teach me to live for 
my boy, and all suffering humanity. Here I am, 
dear Lord, take me ; use me as Thou wilt.” 

“Forgive me, dear Father, for my sin. ‘Create 
in me a clean heart, O, God, and renew a right 
spirit within me.’ Help me to have the heart and 
spirit of simple childhood, that I may desire the 
spiritual gifts of true greatness — the precious 
gifts of trust, affection and contentment. Give me 
not earthly power or riches lest I be puffed up, 
and give me not the knowledge of the philosopher 
for it would vanish away, but give me the wisdom 


148 


The Dawn of a New Era 


of the child, who believeth all things, hopeth all 
things, and rejoiceth in truth.” 

Sybil arose from her knees with thanksgiving 
in her heart. She would henceforth live for God, 
and Him alone. 


CHAPTER XXVI 


T HE months slipped by and Sybil gained 
strength and courage every day. She had 
advertised in the county paper, immediately after 
Stuart had left her, that she would take pupils in 
piano and voice, and seven had answered her call. 
The pain in her heart was very great as she first 
read her advertisement. She remembered how 
proudly she had announced to Stuart only a few 
nights before her intention of teaching voice, and 
how little, then, she had realized affairs would be 
as they were when she actually carried her plans 
into execution. Her wildest thoughts had never 
anticipated a separation from her husband when 
she had planned to advertise for pupils. 

This morning Sybil had arisen early. Ruth was 
coming to spend the day with her and she wanted 
to complete her household duties before the girl 
arrived. 

Ruth came about eleven o’clock, and Sybil was 
in the front room, awaiting her. She was hum- 
ming a little tune as Ruth entered. The once gay, 
impulsive, light-hearted girl entered slowly, all 
149 


150 The Dawn of a New Era 

trace of mirth and happiness erased from her 
countenance. 

“Is Mother better to-day?” Sybil asked cheer- 
fully, when Ruth had silently seated herself. 

“No,” bitterly. “I’m afraid she’s lots worse. 
Poor Mother 1 ” 

Mrs. Stuart’s health had failed rapidly since her 
son’s departure. She could not become recon- 
ciled to his behavior. In her earlier days people 
who were divorced were shunned by society, and 
she could not accept the new morals of the pres- 
ent day. 

“You know Mother was inordinately proud of 
her family,” Ruth went on. “They were aristo- 
crats, and honor with them was more zealously 
guarded than anything else. Now that Gilbert 
has disgraced himself, I don’t think she can stand 
it. She fairly adored him, you know, and his 
leaving you for his stenographer has almost killed 
her. Besides, she has always taught him, from 
earliest childhood, that marriage was the most 
sacred thing in the world, and that nothing but 
death could release one from its vows. He seems 
to have strangely wandered from her teachings, 
however,” she added, in a scarcely audible voice, 
as she covered her face with her hands, 

Sybil arose, and, kneeling beside her, placed her 
arm about her tenderly. 

“Please don’t, dear,” she whispered softly. 


The Dawn of a New Era 15 1 

“You must be brave and strong. You must be 
cheerful. Why, dear, I hardly know my joyful, 
impetuous little sister.” 

The girl sprang to her feet and gazed at Sybil 
with dilating eyes. “You — you try to comfort me 
— you, the one he has forsaken. Oh, Sybil, it is 
I that should be comforting you, dear; but I can’t, 
I can’t. Sybil, it’s awful, isn’t it? I can’t stop 
thinking of Mother. I believe her grief is more 
poignant than ours. She said only this morning 
that she wanted to die ; that she had no desire on 
earth to live longer; she said that even the preach- 
ers were forgetting Christ’s teachings. Mother 
can hardly bear the thought that the Rev. Mr. 
Robinson married Gilbert and — and that woman 
— when he knew full well that Gilbert had di- 
vorced his own wife. 

“Gilbert told us all about the wedding, you 
know. Mother says when the preachers of God 
do such things, she hasn’t much hope for the 
world. I can’t do a thing with her; all my plead- 
ings are in vain; she says she doesn’t know where 
God is, to allow the things He’s permitting at the 
present day. 

“Sybil, you must come over and talk with her. 
You have more influence with her than any one, 
dear, and you do her more good than all the 
doctors she can have. She’s so afraid you need 
something; you know what a blow it was to her 


152 The Dawn of a New Era 

for you to refuse to live with us ; and she’s always 
worrying about you.” 

“O, but she must not; we’re getting along splen- 
didly,” Sybil interposed quickly. 

“You are a puzzle to me, Sybil,” Ruth said 
wonderingly. “You appear to be perfectly 
happy.” 

“Yes, Ruth,” the sweet voice whispered softly. 
“I am perfectly happy in God.” 

“But how can you be?” Ruth echoed. “You 
were so fond of Gilbert, and so utterly dependent 
on him.” 

“Yes, dear, but now I’m depending on an Al- 
mighty arm that I know will never forsake me. 
God knew that it would take this great sorrow to 
bring me closer to Him ” 

“I don’t believe it! Trouble only makes one 
hard, cold, and miserable. I had almost forgotten 
to give you something.” Ruth hesitated and 
looked at Sybil piercingly as she spoke. “Sybil, 
can you read a letter from the dog that deserted 
you?” 

Sybil turned pale and trembled so that she could 
scarcely stand, but controlling herself with a 
mighty effort, she nodded silently. Ruth placed 
the letter in her outstretched hand, then turned 
her own face away. Sybil opened the letter 
slowly. Could she really bear to read it? She 
waited a moment, and sent up an earnest prayer 


The Dawn of a New Era ^ 153 

to her God as she did so. Yes, all was over now; 
she was prepared for anything it might say. Stu- 
art had written to his mother telling her of his 
marriage. He had settled in a little town out 
West, he said, and was supremely happy with his 
new bride. He told his mother that if she could 
only behold their great joy and comradeship she 
would never again reproach him for the step he 
had taken; she would forever relinquish her old- 
fashioned ideas regarding marriage and divorce. 
He idolized his wife, he told her, and kept her 
constantly by his side. They were doing light 
housekeeping at present, and enjoying it im- 
mensely. When he had assisted her with her 
duties in the morning, which did not require a 
great deal of time, they departed for their office 
together and she helped him, as only she could 
help. O, they were regular partners, he told her, 
and had been intended for each other from the 
first. She was a lady, too, he said. She would 
not even allow him to board at the same place 
she did until he had procured a divorce, and they 
were married, because she was afraid people 
would talk. 

They had made lots of friends, too, and were 
having a gloriously good time. He was sure she, 
Mrs. Stuart, would love his little wife if she knew 
her better, and she must come and make them a 
long visit in the near future. He ended by saying 


154 77 *e Dawn of a New Era 

he hoped they were all well and happy, and signed 
himself “your wondrously happy son.” 

“Why don’t you say something, Sybil?” Ruth 
demanded as Sybil folded the letter and handed 
it to her without a word. “I can’t endure this!” 
she went on hysterically. “Say something — oh, 
say what heartless wretches they both are. Tell 
me how you loathe them ; tell me you despise and 
abhor them as I do.” 

“But I don’t loathe them or despise them, Ruth, 
dear. I still love my husband, and as for Miss 
Winter, I only pity her from the depths of my 
heart. She’s not his wife, she can never be until 
I die. The law of this world may grant her a 
divorce and recognize her as Mrs. Gilbert Stu- 
art, but the law of God Almighty proclaims her 
an adultress, and the man she is living with an 
adulterer. Ruth, I pity them with my heart and 
soul.” 

“I can’t believe you only pity her, Sybil; you 
could not be human if that was all the feeling you 
entertained for her,” broke in Ruth, impatiently. 
“I despise them both and can’t find words in the 
English language strong enough to express my 
hatred of them. As for me, there’s not money 
enough in all the world to make me marry. Ugh ! 
It’s disgusting. I hate men. I don’t see how in 
the world you can ever have faith in any of them 
after what you have endured. No, nothing could 


The Dawn of a New Era 155 

ever induce me to marry. A man may be true to 
his wife for about six months or a year, and then 
leave her for the first pretty, young girl he comes 
across. That’s the reason lots of women won’t 
have children, Mother says. She says they are 
afraid the care and worry of children will make 
them break too fast, and their husbands will not 
think them attractive any more. The women 
want to remain young and fresh, and Mother says 
that divorce and race suicide are very intimately 
associated; but I don’t care anything about that; 
I just know I’ll never be caught in the web of any 
of the horrid, old brutes. I’ll be an old maid the 
remainder of my life,” Ruth ended, her passion 
at red-hot heat. 

“Hush, Ruth, you mustn’t talk that way. You 
must not judge all men by one.” 

“O, Sybil, can you tell me why my own brother 
was such a reprobate, such a scoundrel?” the girl 
continued, bitterly. 

“I can only tell you what I was afraid would 
eventually happen. I was expecting this tragedy, 
and that was why I could bear it even better than 
any of you. I saw it coming all the time; I real- 
ized the danger he was in, and tried to check it. 
Gilbert only thought my warnings silly and fool- 
ish. He laughed at them. Yes, Ruth,” she went 
on, sadly, “I knew all this would happen. I no- 
ticed when he first became interested in her. I 


156 The Dawn of a New Era 

noticed when he became less interested in home, 
the children, and me. He began to grow restless 
and cross unless Miss Winter was continually 
talked of; he was always planning trips in which 
she could accompany him. His praise was all for 
her; I was the narrow-minded little hypocrite. All 
this I had to keep buried in my heart with none 
to confide in but God.” 

“O, why didn’t you tell Mother and me, dear? 
How on earth could he ever have cared for that 
barbarous woman — when — when he had you?” 

“He had me already, and it’s human nature to 
want something you haven’t got, I suppose. 
There was a pretty, plump form and face he was 
intimately associated with twice as much as his 
wife, and love, in a human sense, is to a great 
extent the result of association. Gilbert didn’t 
imagine, when he began this companionship with 
a pretty, young girl, that it would terminate in 
anything but a good, wholesome friendship, and 
neither did Miss Winter think that anything 
wrong would spring out of her accepting the many 
little attentions and personal favors that Gilbert 
bestowed on her. No, neither thought they were 
doing anything wrong until too late. But I real- 
ized that the constant propinquity would be too 
great in the end; I realized, with a breaking heart, 
that they would not be able to battle against it 
at last. Gilbert couldn’t resist the touch of the 


The Dawn of a New Era 157 

soft, white hand, the smooth, round arm, and the 
sweet, smiling eyes. All these things were thrown 
in his path, and he, like Adam of old, yielded to 
the temptation. 

“Ruth, I’ve prayed long and earnestly over this 
affair. I’ve studied the divorce question from 
every point of view. I got my Bible and turned 
to the Gospels. I wanted to know just exactly 
what Christ’s teachings were on this important 
subject. Why, I’ve learned passages by heart. 
In Paul’s letter to the Romans, he says: ‘For the 
woman which hath an husband is bound by the 
law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the 
husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of 
her husband.’ Then again, in Paul’s letter to the 
Corinthians: ‘And unto the married I command, 
yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart 
from her husband. But if she depart, let her re- 
main unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband; 
and let not the husband put away his wife.’ 

“And, Ruth, there are many more passages in 
the Bible condemning this social shame. I shud- 
der when I think of what my husband and Miss 
Winter have done; it’s terrible, terrible.” She 
stopped speaking for a moment, and covered her 
face with her hands. 

Ruth had said nothing at all during Sybil’s dis- 
course, and now as she hesitated a moment, the 
girl only stared at her dumbly. She could not 


158 The Dawn of a New Era 

grasp the fact that it was Sybil who was reasoning 
thus. She did not know she was capable of such 
philosophy. Sybil had heretofore always seemed 
to her as a gentle, beautiful, submissive wife, very 
timid and reluctant in voicing her own opinions 
and sentiments. The startling change left her be- 
wildered. 

Sybil continued as though unaware of Ruth’s 
amazement: “It’s fearful, Ruth. I have also 
read God’s commandments over and over again, 
and found that Gilbert and Miss Winter were 
breaking three of His express commandments. 
Oh, I tremble when I think of the certain punish- 
ment that must follow the breaking of one of 
them. They are so simple, so direct, yet so 
fraught with meaning,” she added thoughtfully. 
Then, with a sudden burst of feeling: “I tell you, 
Ruth, this general dissolution of the marriage 
union is the curse of this age, just as slavery was 
the curse of the negro race, at one time, and it 
took thousands of our men to crush it out of our 
land. This free love system is the evil of this age. 
It is the curse not only of the negro race, but of 
all other races, the black cloud hanging over the 
world to-day, and imagine the great sacrifice and 
suffering it will require to crush out this curse. If 
some radical change doesn’t take place soon, this 
destructive moral and social evil will cause the 
civilization of the world to crumble into dust, and 


159 


The Dawn of a New Era 

I blame more than anything else our human law. 
God’s law says that the woman is bound to her 
husband so long as he lives, and again whosoever 
shall put away his wife, and marry another, com- 
mitteth adultery; but the human law, on the other 
hand, says that if you become displeased or dis- 
contented with your husband or wife, as the case 
may be, and can give any silly excuse for separat- 
ing, a divorce can easily be had, and you can 
choose another. If people could only be made to 
realize Christ’s teachings concerning the marriage 
vows, and know that they can not ever truly wed 
again, unless death has claimed the mate that has 
been theirs in life. Some positively consider the 
solemn institution as a farce, and these ignorant, 
thoughtless people should have the restraint of 
the law. 

“Oh, I wish that I might do something to crush 
out this great evil, and I pray continually that God 
will let some opportunity present itself, and that 
I can work to crush it out, because God will never 
smile on us again until the people, the law, and 
the church awake to the danger and work together 
for God’s glory instead of our own selfish pleas- 
ures.” 

When Sybil stopped speaking, a hushed silence 
followed. At length Ruth burst forth impul- 
sively : 

“Sybil, you are wonderful!” 


CHAPTER XXVII 


G ILBERT, JR., sprang up the steps with a 
bound, and swung the door open joyously. 
He had just completed selling his papers, and had 
gotten home in time for lunch. On entering the 
house, he did not see Sybil, and dashed instantly 
for the kitchen. There he found his mother 
sweeping. 

“O, Mother — guess what?” he demanded mys- 
teriously. 

Sybil looked up and smiled. “I haven’t the 
slightest idea what you mean, unless you want the 
boys to come over again to-night and play with 
you,” she said, kissing him lovingly. 

“Well, it’s not the boys at all. I’ve a letter for 
you, and it’s from Tennessee, Mother I” The boy 
held up his hand with a letter in it. 

“A letter from Tennessee — Charlotte?” she 
gasped breathlessly. 

“Yes,” answered the boy merrily. “Aren’t you 
glad? I expect maybe it’s from Grandpa,” and 
he placed the missive in her trembling palm. 

Sybil only stared bewilderedly at it for a mo- 
ment. Could her father actually have written to 
160 


The Dawn of a New Era 161 

her? No, it was impossible. But even as these 
thoughts found their way to her dazed intellect, 
she had broken the seal. 

“My son!” she cried brokenly, for she had in- 
stantly recognized the bold, clear hand of her 
father. She began to read feverishly. 

“My own, little, beloved daughter,” it ran. 
“Do not be too angry with your poor old father 
for calling you those pet names once more. I 
know you think I have gone wild to write you. 

I know full well that you can not understand your 
merciless old father ever relenting. But, oh, my 
own little girl, if you could but know how pitifully 
I have relented, and how bitterly I have repented, 
for all the anguish I caused you and your mother. 
My little one, I have repented in sack-cloth and 
ashes. I have begged and pleaded with God Al- 
mighty to forgive me, and I think at last He has. 
Now, my daughter, if you would only forgive a 
heart-broken old man, a man whose every sleep- 
ing hour and waking hour is misery, because he 
fears the one he loved best on earth hates him for 
his cruelty. I know it would serve me right if 
you would never again speak to me, if you would 
return my letter unanswered, but — my child, I be- 
lieve it would kill me should you do so. I believe 
I’ll die if you don’t write that you forgive me. 

“Your angel mother’s death was nearly the end 
of me, because I knew I had killed her. I knew 


1 62 The Dawn of a New Era 

I had murdered her as truly as if I had taken a 
knife and pierced her heart. She died, dear, of a 
broken heart because I would not allow her to go 
and see her beloved child. It was on her death- 
bed that I awoke to my insane, inhuman cruelty; 
it was when the last breath left her dear body that 
I realized I had acted entirely without mercy, and 
that you did right to marry the one you loved. 
Then, my daughter, the piteous anguish I endured 
would have melted a heart of stone. Hell could 
be no worse than I suffered then. 

“I must close now, little daughter. My hand 
trembles so that I can scarcely hold my pen; but 
only one last word before I seal my letter. I have 
absolutely forgiven you and your husband, and 
would give my life for one look at you. Should 
you ever wish to come and see me, dear, I would 
be the happiest man in the world. 

“Your broken-hearted old father.” 

The tears stood in Sybil’s eyes as she finished 
reading and folded the letter. How gladly she 
would forgive her father ! 

“Yes, Gilbert, Jr.,” she said, turning to the 
anxious boy, “it’s from your grandfather. He’s 
an old man now, darling, and says he would give 
anything to see us. How would you like to go 
and live with Grandpa?” 

“Huh?” the boy cried, not quite comprehend- 
ing. “Go and live with Grandpa forever ?” 


The Dawn of a New Era 163 

“Well, at least go and visit him,” she smiled. 

“Bully !” and the boy began to emit joyous yells. 
“I’d love to live with Grandpa forever, Mother, 
you bet I would. I could sell papers there as well 
as here. Let’s go, Mother, right away. Will 
you?” 

“You’re quite enthusiastic, my boy,” the mother 
answered fondly. “But I think we will go and 
live with Grandpa. He’s all alone, and would 
love for us to come to him. I’ll think it over 
seriously, and if we go, we’ll leave immediately.” 

“Golly, that’s fine ! Whoop — ee !” the boy 

cried. 

That night Sybil thought long and earnestly. 
There was really nothing to keep her from going 
except her Sunday-school class of loyal women. 
She had begun teaching them shortly after begin- 
ning the teaching of music, and she enjoyed doing 
so immensely. They thought her perfection and 
anything on earth that she told them to do they 
would do if it was in their power. At the thought 
of them her heart wavered. Could she really 
leave them and go to her father? Could she pos- 
sibly endure the glances of sympathy that the peo- 
ple of Charlotte, the people that had once been 
her people, would bestow on her when they dis- 
covered that her husband had deserted her? No, 
it would be impossible. She had left home so 
proudly and joyously. Could she return a broken- 


164 The Dawn of a New Era 

hearted, deserted woman? She knew all her 
friends had sternly disapproved of her wedding 
the Kentucky lawyer, and she knew some who 
would glance at her with triumph in their eyes, 
some that had been the strongest to discourage 
her wedding would not be able to keep the “I told 
you so” look from their eyes. Oh, she could never 
bear it! 

And Jack! Could she bear his pitying glance? 
No, never! Then the thought of her old father, 
who might not live long, weighed on her with 
crushing force. Would she not regret it as long 
as she lived, if he died and she did not go to him? 
How badly he needed her now. She was per- 
fectly aware that she ought not to consider her 
own wishes in the matter at all. God, who had 
helped her through all her misery, would help her 
to bear any other misfortunes and sorrows that 
she might encounter at Charlotte. For a long 
time she prayed fervently for God to give her 
strength to do what was right. 

At last she raised her beautiful head. God had 
helped her to find the way. She would go to 
Charlotte and remain with her aged father until 
his death. 


CHAPTER XXVIII 


T HE following week Sybil was busy planning 
to leave for Charlotte. Day by day she 
realized how much it meant to her to leave her 
once happy little home, The baby high-chair, 
Gilbert’s big arm-chair, and numerous other little 
things about the place that were of scarcely any 
value to any one but herself, she hugged to her 
heart. She had not realized how hard it would be 
to part with these things. She had just lived on 
filling her heart with her boy, her music, and the 
things she did to make others happy. She had 
always thought Stuart would come back, penitent 
and broken-hearted, sooner or later, but to-night, 
as she lay down to sleep she could not rid herself 
of a feeling of loneliness. She was not as re- 
signed as usual. 

She could not understand why she should suf- 
fer so, nor why she was compelled to endure all 
the anguish, while Gilbert, who had committed 
the wrong, seemed supremely happy and con- 
tented. She ground her teeth as she pictured in 
her mind the joy of her husband and his new com- 
panion. She could see the kisses and caresses he 

l6fi 


1 66 The Dawn of a New Era 

gave her, and the smiles and loving glances she 
gave in return. All this and much more she could 
see in her mind’s eye, and it made her hard and 
cold. Bitter feelings began to fill her heart. An- 
ger against her husband surged hotly within her. 

“I gave myself to him, body and soul, and he 
cast me away, and the son he gave me. He is now 
the support and protector of a woman who is not 
rightfully his wife and I am his man-made widow. 
I hate my husband. I despise all men. Why do 
they prefer the unnatural, artificial woman to the 
real true woman? Why does the business woman, 
the idle childless woman, hold more attraction for 
them than the busy mother and home-keeper? Is 
it the same old fascination of forbidden fruit?” 
she asked herself. 

Profound questions were forming in her mind. 
“If man is woman’s rightful protector,” her soul 
cried out again, “where is his mercy and justice? 
Where is his courage and strength?” 

“O, God! why did you bring woman into the 
world to humor the fickle whims of man?”; then 
she asked herself honestly, “Why should she con- 
demn Amelia, a poor, wayward, credulous girl, 
when children and grandchildren of ministers 
were being divorced and remarried almost daily 
and many of the ministers themselves were per- 
forming the ceremonies? I could endure the 
realization of a lost husband and a broken family, 


The Dawn of a New Era 167 

if only I could have the assurance that some day 
the eyes of the church and the state would be 
opened to the shame and misery that mothers and 
children have to undergo on account of these 
social shames.” 

And then in her desperation she cried piteously: 
“Is there no protector for those who cannot pro- 
tect themselves? Why does mankind scorn the 
poor, unmarried mother, who probably, under 
great provocation, has broken one of the divine 
Commandments, while he smiles and admires the 
woman, who either through ignorance or wicked 
desires, triumphantly steals another woman’s hus- 
band, thereby breaking many Commandments? 
Where is our consistent charity, when we ostracise 
the children of these unfortunate mothers, and, at 
the same time, hold the children of the adultrous 
alliances in high esteem? Where is our consistent 
Christianity when we hold the stealing of a 
chicken as a felony, but the taking of a life-part- 
ner and the destruction of a home as all right? 
Have we fallen below the level of the wild ani- 
mals in our ideals of the family life? They de- 
fend their homes with their lives, and their home 
instinct is stronger than fear.” Disheartened and 
discouraged, she burst into tears. “There is no 
sanctity to marriage. No honor to motherhood. 
No sympathy nor love for children; even the 
apartment houses must by law be childless. I see 


1 68 The Dawn of a New Era 

no hope for humanity since it has lost its rever- 
ence for mothers and its desire for precious chil- 
dren!” she sobbed in despair. 

“There is simply nothing I can do !” her own 
helplessness and timidity overwhelmed her. 

Then thoughts of the new woman’s movement 
that was arousing the world took possession of 
her, and quickly other thoughts crowded on it, 
thoughts of the opportunities that were now open 
to women, opportunities that had once been closed 
to all womankind. She had invaded fields that 
man had held supreme dominion over for cen- 
turies. She had encroached on his territory with 
a will and purpose that could not be defeated; she 
was making marvelous progress along all lines. 
Surely she will soon be independent of man alto- 
gether. She had made great advancement in the 
professions. Sybil drew herself up with pride as 
she pondered: 

“We are now doctors of medicine, doctors of 
law, and doctors of divinity. We have also made 
rapid strides in mental development. The world 
now acknowledges that woman’s mind is not in- 
ferior to that of man’s.” 

She recalled with pride the vast number of in- 
tellectual club women and their great work for 
the welfare of humanity. She compared their 
loyalty to the church with that of man’s. 

“Man has always been too ready to surrender 


The Dawn of a New Era 169 

the moral influence and religious loyalty to 
woman,” she thought. “But that has been all the 
power he was willing for us to have, but we women 
will surprise him with our power to cope with the 
mighty laws of the land. No longer will we en- 
dure his political tyranny. Something must be 
done to protect the poor mothers, who are bear- 
ing the children. Something must be done that 
will purify our home-life.” She thought on 
deeply. Suddenly a strange idea came into her 
mind. “Our civilization is doomed. The intel- 
lectual and wealthy will be the first to go. God 
made man upright, but he has sought out many 
inventions, and all the people are rapidly learn- 
ing these inventions and adopting them. Why 
couldn’t she invent something to stay this terrible 
marriage immorality that was slowly but surely 
destroying posterity?” she asked herself. “Would 
it not be better to have a world suicide at once, 
instead of this slow process of race suicide? 
Wouldn’t it be better to have no world at all, than 
a world of so much sin and suffering? 

“If men fail to appreciate Christian mothers 
and Christian homes, we have the power to bring 
them to their senses. We will see to it that we 
have legislation that will protect them. Desper- 
ate conditions call for desperate methods. 

“The poor women, who bear the children, also 
bear the burdens of life. The church and the gov- 


170 The Dawn of a New Era 

ernment have failed to see the dangerous spirit of 
unrest and discontent among our women, and the 
desire to abandon the homes and to avoid mother- 
hood. Now these perilous conditions have been 
caused more by the divorce evil than any one thing 
in the world. The knowledge that marriage is only 
a temporary condition, and that children are there- 
fore only added burdens to this life of uncertainty, 
is causing most of our women to shrink from the 
family-life, and grasp more pleasant opportuni- 
ties that are open to them. Never again will 
woman pander to the egotism and vanity of man, 
in order to accomplish her purposes. We are 
now independent creatures. Man must under- 
stand that we can live without him. We mothers 
and honorable women of our sex have endured all 
that we can endure. Something must be done. 
While a strike may be a bad policy, there seems 
to be no other method by which we could have a 
speedy effect upon the law-makers.” 

She was rapidly forming resolutions. “We 
will gather all the poor, unprotected women to- 
gether and organize unions, and when we have 
grown sufficiently in strength we will go on a 
strike and refuse to bear children until our di- 
vorce laws are reformed and our marriage ties 
are made more secure. No martial law can dis- 
turb us in our undertaking. It will be just a quiet, 
secret understanding of the overburdened and ill- 


The Dawn of a New Era 17 1 

treated women to stand together and never yield 
until we receive justice and mercy. If this plan 
does not prove to be a perfect success, it will at 
any rate awaken the people and cause an agita- 
tion that will result in great good.” 

She reasoned thus until, tired and worn, body 
and soul, she fell asleep. 

A wonderful dream appeared to her, in her 
sleep, a dream which was to mold her character 
forevermore. 

She was standing on the side of a gently sloping 
hillside in company with a large assembly of peo- 
ple, gazing at the clear, blue sky, when suddenly 
volumes of black, angry-looking clouds began to 
appear in the eastern sky, and sharp streaks of 
lightning shot out in every direction. The great 
assembly of people fell prostrate on the ground, 
some crying that a cyclone was coming on them, 
and others declaring that the judgment day had 
come. In the midst of all the terrible screams 
Sybil arose and told them not to be afraid but to 
arise, watch, and pray, for God Almighty was 
going to show them a marvelous sight. Then, in- 
deed, as if in answer to her prophecy, the grand 
image of a perfect man began to take shape in the 
midst of the smoke and turmoil, and never before 
had they beheld such strength, justice, and purity 
as was written on the face of the man before 
them. Many voices were raised to worship him, 


172 


The Dawn of a New Era 


for they believed he was Christ, when Sybil 
stopped them. She told them it was not Christ, 
but the man with the new soul, the perfect man 
that had been through the melting pot of trouble 
and suffering with all the dross burned away and 
nothing left but the pure gold. No sooner had 
she spoken than the figure began to fade away, 
and instantly in its place came forth a beautiful 
woman, a lovely shining angel, who wafted down 
gently to them on the earth, and, as she came 
nearer, the people began to tremble, and fall on 
their knees, praying to the angel to save them. 

“Fear not me but the Father which is in 
Heaven,’’ came from the lips of the vision, as she 
pointed upward. “I have only come to teach you 
to fly that you may reach the treasures I have in 
waiting for you.” She waved her hand gracefully 
as she finished speaking, and, as if guided by a 
miraculous power, all the vast assembly of people 
began to ascend. Some did not get very far away 
from the earth in their flight, but others soared 
up and up toward the Heavens. The delighted 
sensation they experienced in floating about in 
God’s open firmament was glorious. But the 
pleasure lasted only for a short time. Very soon 
they were on the earth again, without having re- 
ceived the gifts of which the angel had spoken. 

“I am going to try the women alone,” the 
heavenly visitor told them, “for I have some very 


The Dawn of a New Era 173 

wonderful treasures for you when you are ready 
to receive them.” 

They attempted to fly, but without avail; they 
could scarcely lift their wings from the ground. 

“O, heavenly angel,” they cried out at length as 
with one voice. “Strengthen us that we may be 
able to lift these heavy wings and soar higher 
than our men !” 

But the angel only smiled sadly, and shook her 
head. Then, turning to the women and facing 
them, she spoke in slow tones, fraught with mean- 
ing: 

“Noble women, on your shoulders rests the sin 
of the world, and it will be through your influence 
that the world will be saved. You have always 
tried to carry the moral responsibility on your 
shoulders, and you have proven yourself faithful 
to the church, and God loves you with an undying 
love. But, heed me, dear women! You have 
allowed Satan to deceive you by persuading you 
with his cunning lies that all your good works will 
save you.” She hesitated a moment and watched 
them as they made a last feeble effort to fly, and, 
failing, sank with a hopeless moan to the ground. 

“It is sin,” she said then. “Sin is weighing you 
down. You are neglecting the holy mission for 
which God made you. That divine mission was 
to be a help-meet for man, and to bring children 
into the world. You have tried to thwart God’s 


174 The Dawn of a New Era 

plans by setting up your own selfish standards of 
righteousness, and you do not realize the enor- 
mity of your crime. Many of you have chosen 
glittering paths of vanity and ease, and have failed 
to see, just beyond the cross, the crown of glory. 
Therefore, ‘Tremble, ye women that are at ease; 
be troubled, ye careless ones. Strip you and make 
you bare, and gird sackcloth upon your loins; for 
as Adam was not deceived, but the woman being 
deceived was in the transgression.’ So it is to- 
day. Listen ! I have a secret to whisper to you.” 
Her tones were scarcely audible now. “I am go- 
ing to tell you the heaviest sin that is weighing 
you down. ‘You have changed your natural use 
into that which is against nature — and likewise, 
the men.’ ” 

A deep hush followed this message. “Will you 
use your mighty influence over men for good?” 
they heard the silvery voice asking softly. “If 
you will not, then a terrible and marvelous thing 
will be done in your land,” and the angel looked 
earnestly toward heaven, and suddenly a dark 
cloud covered the firmament. 

“Behold! the Death Angel is abroad in the 
land!” she exclaimed in sad, solemn tones. In 
the twinkling of an eye, Death had clutched every 
boy in the assembly with its long, uncanny fingers. 

Their faces turned ghastly as it touched them 


The Dawn of a New Era 175 

and all traces of life began to slowly ebb away 
from their bloodless countenances. 

“All our boys are dying — dying!” shrieked the 
mothers in agony, as they stretched forth their 
trembling hands to the beautiful angel above 
them. “Save them, O, Messenger of Heaven — 
Save them!” Their voices died away in a low, 
passionate whisper as they beheld their sons 
dwindling into a mere shadow, and their faces 
growing black as the Death Angel closed its awful 
hand more tightly upon the shoulders of each 
lad. 

To the wild cries and entreaties of the heart- 
broken mothers, the angel only shook her head 
sorrowfully, and said softly and gently : 

“I cannot save them. The flower of the land 
must be sacrificed for your sins, mothers, unless 
you turn to God and purify yourselves in His 
sight. You have the power to destroy the world, 
but woe unto you, if you do !” 

And the frightened women fell on their knees 
and cried out: “Woe unto us — wretched women 
that we are! We have transgressed beyond all 
bounds. O, let us put on sackcloth and ashes and 
repent of our sins, and the men will do likewise!” 

The angel stretched forth her hand, and ex- 
claimed in clear, carrying tones: “Arise, dear 
women! ‘Be strong and of good courage; be not 
affrighted; for Jehovah thy God is with thee 


176 The Dawn of a New Era 

withersoever thou goest.’ The Lord has beheld 
your humility, and He has heard your cries for 
mercy. ‘He is very pitiful and of tender mercy.’ 
He will stay this awful plague of death, and you 
will receive the promised gifts if you will have 
the strength and courage to do His will. The 
heavenly Father will keep His covenant with His 
children.” 

The happy mothers rejoiced as they watched 
the returning health of their boys. They turned 
eagerly to the angel: “Teach us to do His will,” 
they implored. 

“Return to your sacred firesides, and purify 
your homes, and ‘You will be saved, saved in child- 
bearing, if you continue in faith and holiness with 
sobriety.’ ” She glanced toward the East. “You 
will then see the dawn of the perfect day, when 
motherhood will be glorified, not only by men — 
but by women. Then, and then only, will you re- 
ceive the treasures God has promised you.” They 
raised their faces in divine awe, but the Heavenly 
Vision had disappeared. 

* * * * * * 

Sybil awoke from her dream, conscious that 
she had had a vision from God. She felt sure 
that she had been called to service. Still her 
thoughts were confused. She could not quite 
fathom why this marvelous dream had been sent 
to her f so timid, so neglected, so unimportant. 


The Dawn of a New Era 177 

She wondered if women would really be brave 
enough to keep their covenant with their heavenly 
Father. 

All these thoughts were troubling her, when she 
determined to ask God to interpret this dream 
for her, to enable her to understand its meaning. 
Her own broken family circle came to her with a 
new force and meaning. Involuntarily she 
thought of the terrible strike that she had planned. 
She would cast that out of her mind now, for her 
vision had changed. Her own great sorrow now 
created a deep sympathy for all suffering human- 
ity. She thought of the many thousands of de- 
serted firesides besides her own. 

Remembering that God was just and the su- 
preme ruler of the universe, she trembled as she 
thought of the injustice and suffering that re- 
sulted from the irreverent and thoughtless putting 
asunder of the holy marriage ties. Surely this 
was the most destructive weapon Satan could use 
in his battle against Christ. She repeated the 
question foremost in her mind. Where were the 
followers of Christ? Why had they stood by 
timidly, not daring to raise a finger in protest, 
and allowed this destructive evil to grow with 
such alarming rapidity? She clasped her hands 
over her eyes in earnest prayer. 

“Open the eyes of Thy people, dear Lord, that 
they may have a clear vision of the social con- 


178 The Dawn of a New Era 

ditions of our country. O, I pray Thee, Father, 
give us the power that will enable us to combat 
this monstrous wrong that is sure to result in race 
suicide and the downfall of our civilization. Hear 
my cry, O, Father! Hear the cry of my soul!” 

It was then that the still small voice answered 
her; it was then, in her last extremity, that the 
voice of God spoke to her: “I can only expel the 
evils out of the land with your help. Wonderful 
changes are coming to pass. ‘Can ye not discern 
the signs of the times’?” 

With a heart and soul full of firm purpose, 
Sybil arose from her bed. She went over to the 
window and raised the curtain; as she did so the 
glory light from the Eastern sky burst in with a 
shining radiance, its colors of crimson and gold 
gleaming with brilliant splendor. 

“O, this is Sunday morning, and I will ask my 
class to meet with me on Thursday!” she cried 
joyfully. “I am so happy, so happy.” She raised 
her wonderful, soulful voice in a song of rejoicing. 

“I will sing the victory song, for right will con- 
quer wrong!” 


CHAPTER XXIX 


S YBIL stood by the window, gazing out anx- 
iously. She had asked her Sunday-school 
class to meet with her on this Thursday afternoon 
for the last time, but was fearful of their coming 
as the weather was very threatening, dark, angry- 
looking clouds continually obstructing the heavens, 
and an occasional April shower pouring forth its 
glistening drops in steady downfall. She was es- 
pecially desirous of their coming as there were 
things she must say to them before leaving for her 
father’s. She looked at the clock; it was fifteen 
minutes past the time she had set for their arrival. 

She had even sent Gilbert, Jr., to Mrs. Stu- 
art’s as she had wanted no one there except her 
class and herself. 

Then the first knock was heard; with a little 
cry of joy she sprang to the door and quickly 
opened it. Three women entered, laughing and 
rather wet. They came rapidly after that, and 
very soon the room was filled with women, await- 
ing with saddened countenance and aching hearts 
the words of farewell from their beloved teacher 
and friend. 


179 


180 The Dawn of a New Era 

After greeting them all with a cordial welcome, 
she began the short business session which was to 
precede the things of tremendous importance 
which she had to tell them. They elected a new 
teacher to take Sybil’s place. Then Sybil, radiant 
in her heavenly beauty, arose and stood before 
them. 

“My dear pupils,” she began softly, with moist 
eyes, “I am going to leave you, and for that rea- 
son I have called you together here to-day to tell 
you of a dream I have had, and of my interpreta- 
tion of it.” Then, in low, sweet tones, she told 
them her dream. 

When she had finished and the last note of her 
marvelous voice had died away, she gazed slowly 
over her audience. They had been held spell- 
bound during the recital of the dream, and now 
only stared at her, mute with astonishment and 
wonder. They had never heard anything like it. 
It was a revelation to them; they bowed their 
heads in deep study. God had pierced their in- 
most souls. 

“What are we to do?” cried a little grey-haired 
lady through her blinding tears. 

“Yes, what are we to do?” they took up her 
cry, and repeated it desperately. 

“We must purify ourselves and save our boys 
from this awful plague of death.” 


The Dawn of a New Era 181 

“We will try, but what must we do first?” they 
asked eagerly. 

“We must bow in humility and penitence, and 
ask the good and all-wise Father to forgive us 
and guide us.” She answered with quick decision. 

“Now, my dear friends, let us study together 
and compare the lives of some of our Biblical 
women with some of our modern women.” She 
turned to the table and picked up her Bible. “We 
have sadly neglected reading this book. We can 
only know how to live rightly by the examples He 
gives us in His Word. We have allowed selfish 
pleasures and the various business interests and 
privileges to so occupy our time that we are almost 
entirely ignorant of God’s ideal of woman and 
the home.” After turning several pages, she 
said : “These are some of the pictures I wish to 
draw. In first Peter, he tells us how the women 
in the olden times ‘adorned themselves, not with 
outward adorning of plaiting of hair and wearing 
of gold or putting on of apparel, but the adorn- 
ment of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the 
sight of God of great price.’ Again Peter says: 
‘For women to adorn themselves in modest ap- 
parel, with shame-facedness and sobriety, not with 
braided hair or gold or pearls or costly array.’ 

“I ask you: How many mothers allow their 
daughters to dress in an immodest manner in 
order to be in the fashion. And, mothers, what 


1 82 The Dawn of a New Era 

will become of our daughters’ delicate sense of 
chastity that we have cherished throughout the 
ages, if we allow them to wear these gaudy jewels 
and dress in nothing but transparent gauze?” 

“Hosea says of the wicked women of Egypt: 
‘She decked herself with her earrings and her 
jewels. She went after her lovers and forgat 
me.’ Don’t we all know that it is wrong to try to 
attract men in this manner? 

“Let us not lose our grandmother’s beautiful 
ideal of womanhood and motherhood. Oh, I beg 
of you, let us not put on the attire of the harlot, 
for her house is the way to hell, going down to 
the chambers of death.” 

She glanced around her; they were all intensely 
interested. 

“Now, we’ll turn to Proverbs, and listen to 
some of the wisdom of Solomon. ‘Strength and 
honor are her clothing, and she shall rejoice in 
time to come. She stretches out her hands to the 
poor and needy. She openeth her mouth with 
wisdom; and her tongue is the law of kindness.’ 

“Here are some other wise sayings of his: 
‘The heart of her husband doth safely trust in 
her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She 
shall do him good and not evil all the days of her 
life. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; 
her husband, also, and he praiseth her. Favour 


The Dawn of a New Era 183 

is deceitful, and beauty is vain : but a woman that 
feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.’ 

“Titus says : ‘The older women must teach the 
young women to be sober, to love their husbands, 
to love their children. To be discreet, chaste, 
keepers at home, good, obedient to their own hus- 
bands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.’ 

“Isaiah tells us of the calamities that will be- 
fall a people if they allow women to rule over the 
men. What will become of our country if we 
allow women to usurp authority over men. Never 
was woman’s power and influence so great as to- 
day. We are glad and thankful to have suffrage, 
not in order that we may hold office and dictate 
to men, but in order to place in authority men 
that will carry out Christ’s teachings in the land. 
We need to take a greater interest in politics, in 
home and the rearing of our children. Solomon 
says this also of the virtuous woman : ‘She riseth 
also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her 
household,’ ‘She layeth her hands to the spindle, 
and her hands hold the distaff,’ ‘She looketh well 
to the ways of her household and eateth not the 
bread of idleness; she worketh willingly with her 
hands; she is not afraid of the snow for her house- 
hold, for they are all clothed with scarlet.’ 

“All honest women acknowledge that the great- 
est pleasures in life are found in doing the little 
things, which, after all, are the most important 


184 The Dawn of a New Era 

and necessary things in the world. As long as 
women search for something to take the place of 
the duties about the home, they will be dissatis- 
fied; as long as they seek worldly pleasures to 
satiate their desires, they will be restless and dis- 
contented. Of course women ought not to be 
imprisoned at home with nothing but drudgery 
to confront them. They need recreation and a 
certain amount of pleasure, but let us not allow 
Satan to deceive us and cheat us out of the real 
treasures of life. Let us not allow him to per- 
suade us to substitute for our children, for our 
unselfish services to our families and our neigh* 
bors, curly poodle dogs and social prominence. 

“We seem to have forgotten,” she continued 
earnestly, “that the home is the divine institution 
of God for bringing lives into the world. Are we 
brave enough to do our duty or will we turn aside 
from the sacred responsibility of motherhood and 
continue to wage the most destructive warfare 
that the world has ever known? Think of the 
sacrifice of unborn babes that are laid on the altar 
of cruel selfishness. We have been so bent on 
temporal affairs and selfish ease that we have 
‘changed our natural mission into that which is 
unnatural’ ; we have allowed the serpent to enter 
our Eden and deceive us, and, instead of being 
brave and good enough to carry out God’s divine 


The Dawn of a New Era 185 

plans concerning posterity, we have changed, ‘Thy 
will be done’ to ‘My will be done.’ ” 

“But we are powerless on that score,” said one. 
“That lies within each individual’s conscience. 
Then you must look at the other side of the ques- 
tion. Think of the neglected wives, and of the 
many delicate and poverty stricken women that 
have more children than they can possibly care 
for. Also, think of the wretched environment in 
which some children must be reared. I don’t 
think it is right to bring children into impure 
homes; and there are many impure homes in our 
country.” 

“Yes, I grant that we have some very perplex- 
ing problems to solve,” Sybil replied seriously, 
“and some very grave responsibilities to meet. 
That’s why we women want to help the men make 
the laws that so vitally affect us. Our quick in- 
tuition united with man’s solid judgment will cre- 
ate a mighty power for good. 

“I tell you, women, we must awake to the great 
responsibilities that lie before us. Laws must be 
enacted that will stop this wholesale granting of 
divorces for just any frivolous or manufactured 
excuse. Of course,” she continued, “some may 
have just cause for partial separation, but Christ 
says there is only one cause for divorce, and we 
are commanded very plainly never to remarry so 
long as both parties live. However, some of 


1 86 The Dawn of a New Era 

these guilty parties, in their ignorance, seem 
totally unconscious of any wrong. The wisest 
man in the history of the world has said of an 
adulterous woman: ‘She eateth and wipeth her 
mouth and sayeth: I have done no wrong.’ 

“The Word of the Lord is the only antidote 
for this loathsome, moral leprosy that is spread- 
ing with alarming rapidity over the entire world. 

“All great reforms have originated in the 
church. The church of God is our only hope and 
salvation, and Christians must awake and hear 
anew the Lord’s commands. The day has come 
when we must combine religion with politics. 
Now, are we professed Christians going to do our 
duty?” she asked in eager, earnest tones. There 
was no answer, only a subdued silence. They 
were all thinking deeply. 

“But what is there that a little group of women 
can do?” inquired one of them, doubtfully. 

“We must gather together all the great powers 
of organized womanhood into one mighty union. 
The purpose of this union will be to create such a 
sentiment against social immorality that public 
opinion will demand the reform of our marriage 
laws. We can do this, for God is with us. He 
has heard our cry, and will give us the wings of 
power. We can, with Christ as our leader, begin 
right here a crusade against sin that will win the 
world for Him.” 


The Dawn of a New Era 187 

“But we are so weak, and so small in number,” 
protested another. The sheer enormity of the 
idea overwhelmed them all. 

“ ‘God hath chosen the weak things of the 
world to confound the mighty that no flesh should 
glory in His presence,’ ” was Sybil’s answer. Her 
face shone with the glory light of heaven. She 
had had a divine inspiration straight from God, 
and never doubted for a moment that she would 
fail in the course she was pursuing. He who had 
been her helper in everything else, would lead 
her to victory in this. She looked at them and 
smiled. 

“All of you who are going to try to better the 
moral and social conditions of our country,” she 
began softly, “kneel where you are.” 

Every knee was bowed, and every voice raised 
in prayer to Him who doeth all things well. 

They arose, strengthened and encouraged for 
the mighty campaign against Satan and evil that 
was to take its beginning in that little prayer- 
meeting. They all departed with earnest faces 
and an indomitable purpose in their hearts. Sybil 
watched them leave with a happy smile. She had 
accomplished her great desire; she realized that a 
movement had been started that would change the 
world’s history. The dawn of a new and glorious 
era was at hand. She fell on her knees, rejoicing. 


CHAPTER XXX 


G eneral huntington was very 

happy that morning. His beloved child — 
for she was still a child to him — would be with 
him that very day. But, although he was ex- 
tremely happy at the thought of seeing his loved 
one, his old heart ached for his daughter and the 
thought of her cruel desertion — for, although she 
had written and told him that they both deemed 
it best to part, he could think of it in no other light 
than desertion — pained him beyond measure. He 
hated the scoundrel ; he despised him. 

General Huntington had told Jack all, and the 
news had instantly transformed the Senator from 
a grave, serious business man into a radiantly 
happy schoolboy. At last, at last, he was to win 
the prize for which he had waited and labored so 
long. Of course, he loathed the wretch who had 
abandoned that which he held dearer than aught 
else on earth. How he would enjoy getting his 
hands on the scoundrel’s neck for just a single in- 
stant that he might choke the life out of him. 
Nevertheless, he gloried in the hope of making 
this imperial woman his wife. He would lift her 
188 


The Dawn of a New Era 189 

up out of the mire into which this fellow had 
dragged her and make her his wife — the wife of 
Senator Carpenter, of Tennessee. 

He hoped and expected some day to be the 
President of the United States ; then indeed would 
she be exalted ! He had everything on their beau- 
tiful old place repaired and repolished until the 
old mansion shone in splendor. He had exacted 
a promise of General Huntington immediately 
after reading Sybil’s letter that he would not 
breathe a word of the true state of affairs exist- 
ing between them. At first the old General had de- 
murred; but, when Jack had shown him plainly 
that Sybil would not remain there a second if she 
knew the real condition of affairs, the General re- 
luctantly consented. Jack further told him that 
the explanation of his own living there would be 
that the General, being very lonely there in the 
old house without any one, and Jack’s own father 
having died, that he had come and taken up his 
abode with his life-long friend. That was the 
only way, Jack had told him, and the General had 
acceded to his wishes. 

Sybil was supremely happy as the train sped 
rapidly on toward Charlotte, the home of her 
youth. She was perfectly contented to rest her 
head against the cushions of her seat, and dream 
of seeing her father once more, of seeing that tall, 
erect, splendid figure, that grave, cultured, noble 


190 The Dawn of a New Era 

countenance once again; and she was nearly there. 
It lacked only thirty minutes until the train would 
pull up at Charlotte and Gilbert and she would 
alight and be enfolded in the loving arms of her 
own dear father. Ah, what glorious joy the mere 
thought afforded. Although as extremely happy 
and contented as she was, she could not dispel al- 
together thoughts of little Riceville. Her heart 
had ached at parting with her friends there, and 
especially had it pained her to separate from Mrs. 
Stuart and Ruth. It seemed as if the going away 
of Sybil and her boy had almost broken their 
hearts. Sybil had tried in vain to comfort them. 
They refused absolutely to be consoled, and their 
sorrow at parting with her was pitiful. Tears 
came to Sybil’s eyes as she thought of them now. 
She had left almost all she had with them to be 
distributed among the poor of Riceville, and was 
coming to her father, empty-handed. 

“Mother, look!” Sybil glanced up quickly at 
Gilbert, Jr.’s cry, and discovered with a beating 
heart that the train was slowing up at the little 
station of Charlotte. In her revery, she had not 
noticed how near they were getting to her home 
town, and now she placed her hand over her 
mouth to repress a cry of joy, for there among 
the crowd awaiting their loved ones was her, 
father and a tall, well built, scholarly-looking 
man, whom she instantly recognized as Jack, her 


The Dawn of a New Era 19 1 

girlhood playmate and sweetheart, and just a 
short distance from them a handsome big car. 
Gilbert was tugging impatiently at her arm. 
“Come on, Mother, hurry!” 

As they descended from the platform, Sybil 
was folded in the eager, loving arms of her father, 
whose face was illumined with a radiant smile of 
thanksgiving and intense joy. 

“My baby, my own baby!” His trembling lips 
formed the words wistfully as he pressed her lips 
again and again. At length, Sybil gently released 
herself, and, leaving her father with Gilbert, Jr., 
turned to Jack. His face was no less radiant and 
eager than her father’s. He grasped her hand in 
a fervent grip. 

“Sybil, and you’ve come at last.” 

“Yes, Jack, and I’m so glad to see you looking 
well and so fine; but — but — Papa — he looks so 
broken and old.” Tears filled the large, beautiful 
eyes. 

“O, he’ll be himself once more, now that he’s 
seen you,” Jack hastened to assure her. 

Presently they were all seated in Jack’s big car. 
Gilbert, Jr., was with Jack in the front seat, and 
Sybil and her father were seated behind them. 

“How could I have ever left you, Papa,” Sybil 
sighed happily, and he only pressed her closer 
without reply. 

“I’m so glad Jack’s made such a success,” she 


192 


The Dawn of a New Era 


said after a while. “I’ve always felt somehow 
that he would be a great man, and a Senator — 
how wonderfully he has fulfilled my expecta- 
tions.” Her voice broke slightly, but in another 
moment she had lifted her head cheerfully, look- 
ing around at the familiar scenes. 

“Jack’s living with me now,” the General 
began. 

Sybil started and looked at him in astonishment. 
“Jack living with you?” she echoed. 

“Yes; I was so lonely, dear, and you know 
Jack’s father is gone.” 

“Mr. Carpenter dead?” she gasped. 

“Yes, and Jack and I were both so lonely, and 
we just decided to live together.” 

“Then it’s out of the question for me to remain, 
Father,” she said firmly. 

“What? My daughter, what are you saying? 
Would you leave your father now that you’ve 
come? You can not mean it, my dear. I haven’t 
long to live. You wouldn’t leave me?” His 
voice broke. 

“There’s no other way, Father. I couldn’t pos- 
sibly remain with you under such circumstances. 
Women have to shun the very appearance of 
evil.” 

The old General remained with bowed head 
for a long while; then at length he said: “Jack 
shall go, dear,” 


The Dawn of a New Era 193 

“O, no,” she objected hastily. 

“He shall; no one on earth shall come between 
you and me any more, my little girl; nothing shall 
keep us apart any longer.” 

“Well, we’ll not say anything just now. I just 
want to be happy — and don’t say anything to Jack 
yet. Wait a few days.” 

That night Sybil was happier than she had 
been in a long time. She was once again in her 
dear, beautiful old home ; she was once again with 
her beloved father; she was once again with Jack, 
the friend of her girlhood; and she made up her 
mind to think of nothing at the present but them; 
she had determined to enjoy this first night with- 
out a single sorrowful thought. 

When they were all seated in the great living- 
room talking peacefully of old times, Jack turned 
to the boy: 

“Yes, Gil, I’m going to make a big man out of 
you. You can begin work in my office just as soon 
as you complete school, and we’ll have a jolly 
good time.” 

“You bet we will!” the boy cried enthusiasti- 
cally. 

“The General told you I was living with nim 
now, didn’t he, Sybil?” Jack asked suddenly, as 
he glanced toward her. 

“Yes,” she answered uncertainly. 

“I’ve got to go to Washington in about a week. 


194 The Dawn of a New Era 

You know Congress meets there the first of May,” 
he continued. 

“I know, and I am so glad to hear of your suc- 
cess, Jack. I felt sure you would succeed.” A 
note of sadness crept into her voice, but he was 
too happy to notice it; he only heard the voice he 
worshipped, in praise of him. 

Sybil slowly, carefully scanned the big room 
they were in, taking in every detail of the furnish- 
ings and other various things. How beautiful 
everything looked. Her father must have amassed 
a great fortune to have so repaired this house. 
The gorgeous rug at her feet must have cost un- 
told dollars. The great paintings by the cele- 
brated masters must have cost a fortune. The 
beautiful furniture, how that, too, must have cost. 
Then there were numerous collections of the 
Orient strewn on the mantelpiece — in short, the 
room was a dream. 

A smile overspread her face, and, with a little, 
joyful inspiration, she thought of the opportunity 
her father’s wealth would give her for her works 
of charity — what opportunity it would give her 
woman’s campaign against sin; and then, there 
was Jack! With his great political influence, how 
wonderfully he could aid her. O, what a great 
amount of work there was ahead of her. Her 
fingers fairly tingled at the thought of what she 
had before her to accomplish. 


The Dawn of a New Era 195 

As Jack was to leave in just one week, she 
must tell him immediately of her plans; she was 
so anxious to talk with him about her Sunday- 
school work. A boyish voice interrupted her 
dreaming. 

“Mother, I’m so sleepy.” 

Sybil arose instantly. “You’ll excuse us?” turn- 
ing to her father and Jack. General Huntington 
arose. “O, no, Father, I know perfectly well the 
way to my room.” Tears were in her eyes. 

“I know, baby, but you’ll allow your old dad 
the pleasure of conducting his little girl there?” 

When they reached her room — the same little 
orange one of old — she put her arm lovingly 
about her father. 

“We will have a long chat in the morning, 
Daddy. Oh ! I am so happy to be with you once 
more,” and she kissed him again and again. 

The tears coursed down his cheeks as he fer- 
vently returned the caresses. 


CHAPTER XXXI 


HE morning after Sybil’s arrival home, she 



X wandered into every nook and corner of the 
old house, seeing many little things that brought 
back fond recollections and happy remembrances 
of bygone days. Her mother’s room brought 
tears to her eyes ; everything in it was just as she 
had seen it last; not a thing had been changed; 
even her own little rocking-chair was there, and 
her baby-picture was hanging on the wall. She 
could not bear to stay there long, and, opening 
the door, she quickly ran down the stairs. She 
met her father in the hall. 

“Where is Gilbert, Jr., Father?” she asked. 

“Josh has taken possession of him,” the old 
man smiled. “He’s showing him over the entire 
place. I heard him tell him that everything here 
belonged to him, and the little rascal laughed 
merrily. O, Josh will take care of him all right.” 

“I’m sure of it. I’m also taking an inspection 
tour of the dear old place, Daddy. Won’t you 
come with me?” 

“Nothing would please me more than to do so; 
but a friend has driven over from Greensdale to 


The Dawn of a New Era 197 

see me on business ; he is waiting out on the lawn 
now.” 

“O, all right, Daddy; go right ahead and see 
him. You can accompany me some other time.” 
The old General left with a parting look of re- 
luctance. 

As she continued her journey over her old 
home, numerous thoughts rushed through her 
busy mind. She could not help comparing all this 
splendor with her modest little home in Ken- 
tucky. What a great difference there was ! Here 
everything shone and sparkled; there, everything 
displayed simplicity. Her heart leaped at such 
evidence of her father’s wealth. What a splendid 
opportunity it would give her for her work. She 
must be patient and await a favorable time to ac- 
complish what she desired; a way would open for 
her here as it had done for her in Riceville. 

Her heart sank as she came to the spacious old 
ballroom. There was the baby grand piano on 
which her mother had played for her when she 
sang on that eventful evening of her eighteenth 
birthday, when she had given up everything for 
Gilbert Stuart. Tears stole to her sad eyes and 
trickled down her cheeks. Could she summon up 
sufficient courage to go over and try the old 
piano ? Softly, as if approaching something very 
sacred, she walked toward it, and, sitting down, 
ran her slender fingers over the keys. 


198 The Dawn of a New Era 

She was playing a plaintive little tune when she 
was startled by a bright, cheery voice. Turning 
quickly, she saw the plump figure of Dorothy 
Courtney, her old friend and playmate, coming 
toward her with outstretched arms. 

After a hearty kiss, she cried exultantly: “Oh, 
Syb, honey child, how happy I am to see you. I 
ran over just as soon as I heard you had come. 
Why didn’t you let me know you were coming? 
Tell me, Syb, honey, why didn’t you ever write 
to me?” Not waiting for a reply, she went on 
rapidly: “O, the things I have to tell you! I’m 
just crazy for you to see my beautiful children, 
and my husband grows dearer to me every day. 
Mine is just the happiest family in the whole, wide 
world. We’re all coming over to see you to-night, 
so expect us.” 

“I’m glad you are so happy,” Sybil interrupted 
with the slightest tremor in her low, rich voice. 
“I’m coming to see you real soon.” 

“Syb, you’ll have to come over to-morrow after- 
noon. The club meets with me, and it’s going to 
be a swell affair. You must put on your Sunday 
best. And you should see my new gown; it’s per- 
fectly beautiful! I got it through a purchasing 
agent in Louisville. I do love your Kentucky 
styles. Now tell me you’ll come without fail, 
Syb.” 

“I would enjoy coming so much, Dorothy; but 


The Dawn of a New Era 199 

I haven’t been to a club in a long time. I belonged 
to one at home. It is exhilarating,” she added, 
“and takes your mind off home cares, but I re- 
signed after my children came. I was so afraid 
I’d have to neglect them.” 

“You foolish mother,” Dorothy chided lov- 
ingly. “You are sacrificing a great deal of pleas- 
ure for imaginary duty, dear. There are plenty 
of good, dependable nurses to care for the chil- 
dren; besides, the clubs do worlds of good.” 

“I agree with you; they afford a great deal of 
pleasure and do lots of good. I believe some day 
they will use their powerful influence to help revo- 
lutionize the world,” she said, thoughtfully. “But 
don’t you think they are a little selfish?” 

“Pshaw!” cried Dorothy, disdainfully. 
“What’s the matter with you, Sybil? Don’t be 
so serious. I don’t want to hear a lecture on the 
Woman’s Club unless it’s a good one. But there ! 
tell me where that fine boy of yours is hiding?” 

“Josh is showing him about the place. He’ll 
be back presently.” 

“All right; I can wait. How is that big, hand- 
some husband? Still as devoted as ever?” Sybil 
turned pale and began to tremble, but Dorothy 
went on apparently without noticing her emotion : 
“The folks here have never entirely forgiven you 
for not marrying Jack, and the poor boy has never 
gotten over it, either. I never saw such true love ; 


200 The Dawn of a New Era 

no other woman on earth has ever had the power 
to move him, though many have tried. He 
doesn’t care the snap of his finger for any of them 
but you, and never will. I’ve watched with pity 
his attempts to fill your place with affection for 
your father and mother. And Jack’s such a great 
man, too. Everybody in Tennessee would go 
through fire and water for him; they simply wor- 
ship the ground he walks on. Think of your old 
sweetheart being United States Senator. Isn’t it 
heavenly? I would give all I possess for you to 
hear him make a speech. Sybil, I don’t believe 
God ever made the man that could attain his 
heights of eloquence on a platform. He’s won- 
derful. The women declare that they are going 
to make him the next President, and they can do 
it. You know as well as I what a mighty power 
they are. Jack’s a great reformer — that’s why 
they are so crazy about him.” She ceased sud- 
denly, and impulsively threw her arms around 
Sybil, smiling with one of her characteristic 
changes. 

“O, honey, the happy, glorious days we will 
have while you are here. I’ll never get through 
telling you of the things that have happened dur- 
ing your long absence. Will you be here for quite 
a long time?” General Huntington had not told 
her that Sybil had come to live with him, and 
Dorothy was under the mistaken impression that 


201 


The Dawn of a New Era 

she had come on a visit. “You’ll be here for quite 
a while, Syb, dear?” she repeated. 

This was more than Sybil could bear, and mak- 
ing a brave effort to keep her voice from breaking 
she told her all. 

“So you see I have come to stay, Dot dear,” 
she ended with a pitiful smile, trying to keep her 
voice steady. 

Dorothy had not said a word during Sybil’s 
recital of the tragedy of her young life; she had 
only watched her with glowering eyes and tight- 
pressed lips. 

“The brute!” burst from her trembling lips. 
“Oh, the brute ! Though you haven’t said a harsh 
word about him, I know he was entirely to blame. 
Oh, darling, how you have suffered and yet you 
are as sweet as ever. I love you!” She flung her 
arms about her neck in a frenzy of emotion that 
almost strangled Sybil. 

“Don’t worry, darling,” Dorothy said pres- 
ently, tenderly stroking the lustrous hair. “Things 
will turn out happily Tor you yet.” She was 
thinking of Jack. “Yes, I’m positive you’ll be 
happy in the end.” 

Sybil remained silent, and Dorothy, with a sud- 
den, queer, penetrating gaze at her, continued 
rather impatiently: “Syb, what I can’t under- 
stand is that all this sorrow has left you without 
a trace of bitterness.” 


202 The Dawn of a New Era 

“No; it hasn’t made me bitter. But it has done 
wonderful things for me. It has changed me 
from a flippant, care-free girl into a very serious 
woman, and, instead of caring for social life, I 
have become deeply interested in the uplifting of 
humanity.” 

When at last Dorothy arose to depart, she 
looked at Sybil tenderly, and began with a slight 
hesitancy: “Now, Syb, dear, I sympathize with 
you greatly in your trouble, but there’s one thing 
I wish to say before leaving. Your husband has 
been a brute, and you must not hesitate to get a 
divorce.” She was surprised at the look of pain 
her words brought to Sybil’s face, but went on 
hastily: “Remember, folks don’t consider divorce 
as they used to; it’s no longer a disgrace, but a 
happy means of obtaining freedom from just such 
beasts as your husband has shown himself to be.” 

“But that’s the trouble,” Sybil interrupted sor- 
rowfully. “I want them to consider it as they 
used to; I want them to see this great evil through 
our grandmothers’ eyes. We can improve on our 
grandmothers’ ideas of material advancement, but 
we cannot improve on their ideas of morality.” 

“Oh, you silly, silly girl, can’t you see that time 
changes all things? Your grandmother had 
eleven children. Don’t you know that would be a 
disgrace to-day?” She laughed merrily as she 
descended the steps. 


CHAPTER XXXII 


I T was an ideal spring afternoon, and Sybil 
was sitting out on the large southern ver- 
anda, her mind filled with many things. She 
had been with her father only two days and had 
enjoyed it immensely. Suddenly, she looked up 
and saw Senator Carpenter approaching her. He 
smiled happily as he saw her sitting there alone, 
and hastened his steps. As he reached her side, 
she arose in indecision. 

Seeing her hesitation, he cried quickly: “Don’t 
go in, Sybil. I want to talk to you.” 

She resumed her seat, but fears and doubts 
began to assail her. What would petty gossip 
say if she was seen in earnest conversation with 
Jack Carpenter? Would they not put a different 
meaning on their friendship? But what better 
time could be had to talk with him of the bill she 
so longed to be able to see passed in Congress. 
She looked up at him and smiled. 

“Jack, I want to tell you of the great, glorious 
work my Sunday-school class in Kentucky has 
done, and of the great campaign that we have 
203 


204 The Dawn of a New Era 

started. Will you listen?” she asked, bending 
forward eagerly. 

“Certainly, I will, Sybil,” he replied. “I am 
always glad to hear of anything you have done.” 

In tense, trembling tones, she told him all — 
from the day she became teacher of the class until 
they started their great campaign that was to 
put a new meaning on civilization and the world. 
He listened intently to the end, and, when she 
had finished, broke out: 

“Well, that’s queer. You know I teach a class 
of men and we accomplish a great deal of good, 


“I didn’t know you taught a class,” she said 
wonderingly. 

“O, yes, and it has been my greatest pleasure 
and joy for the last” — he paused and watched 
her closely — “twelve years,” he finished. She did 
not answer and he continued: “It seems that 
our thoughts have always run in the same chan- 
nel. Ever since we were little tots we have liked 
and disliked almost the same things.” 

“I am so glad, Jack, to know what a great 
character you have made,” she interrupted him 
intentionally. “You have more than surpassed 
my greatest expectations,” 

He flushed, and a happy smile stole over his 
earnest face. 

“Sybil, you can’t imagine how I appreciate com- 


The Dawn of a New Era 205 

pliments from you; but you know Fd always do 
anything, dare anything, for your praise.” He 
looked at her with an eager, burning light in his 
eyes. 

“I am going to surprise you, Jack, by asking 
a very great favor of you,” she said. “This world 
is passing through a great change ; old things are 
passing away, and a new day is dawning. Op- 
portunities have opened to women that were once 
believed to be closed to them. Think of the great 
movements they have started for the welfare of 
humanity that now have taken possession of the 
world.” 

“Yes, Sybil, we men are beginning to realize 
your wonderful influence,” interrupted Jack, with 
a smile. “Of course, we have always been glad 
to surrender to you all the moral sway, but it is 
hard for us to step aside and allow the women to 
usurp all the power and the authority. Fve been 
puzzling my brain to know what we men would 
be needed for.” 

“It’s not that we normal women want to usurp 
the authority of men,” Sybil hastened to say; “but 
you have held the power all these centuries and 
we have stood by with clasped hands and watched 
you slipping away from God and from Christ’s 
teachings. You have heretofore made all the 
laws, and, good or bad, we have had to abide by 
them. We wish always to obey the laws of our 


20 6 


The Dawn of a New Era 


country, but we also wish to see that these laws 
are not contrary to those of God’s. Now that we 
are to help make the laws, we feel heavily our 
responsibility. There are sins to be banished and 
wrongs to be righted and we Christian women 
must expose these demoralizing evils that are 
tearing down our civilization. We have a clearer 
conception of social wrongs than men; we realize 
that all nations must be reorganized on the basis 
of Christ’s teachings, if we would have the world 
safe for happiness and prosperity.” 

“And how can we bring it about so that the 
world will be happy?” interrupted the man by 
her side, in half-playful, half-serious tones. He 
did not want her to see how deeply her words had 
impressed him. 

“If we would save the world,” she answered 
with quiet determination, “we must begin by sav- 
ing the home, the first institution of God. We 
realize that the rights of the family must be pro- 
tected.” 

“O, Sybil, I didn’t know you had turned suffra- 
gist-lecturer. I have always thought of you as 
the old-fashioned, timid, clinging girl. I don’t 
know you in your new role. But what is the fa- 
vor you wish to ask of me ; I am anxious to serve 
you.” 

She smiled and hesitated. At length, she be- 
gan in slightly timid tones : “I have set my heart 


The Dawn of a New Era 207 

on having a bill enacted in Congress that will 
annul all these unholy marriages of which I have 
just told you.” She heard him gasp in astonish- 
ment, but went on with all the more eagerness : 
“I felt sure you could and would help us carry 
out our plans ” 

“Good heavens, Sybil! I would do anything 
else on God’s green earth for you but this — this 
might interfere with my own plans.” 

He stopped short and watched her keenly. 
Should he tell her now? No, not now, he decided, 
after one more close scrutiny of her face ; he would 
not tell her just now. He would not spoil their 
great friendship just yet by telling her what was 
in his heart. He would wait until he returned 
from Washington, and then lay bare his heart to 
her. But how he longed — how his heart ached 
to tell her all; yet he must wait; he must have 
patience, and hope for success in the end. 

“But that is all I will ever ask of you, Jack,” 
he heard the full, soft voice plead. “Please do 
this for me?” 

“You will have to wait until the next session of 
Congress, Sybil. I wouldn’t have time to pre- 
pare such a bill now, never having put any thought 
or study on such a subject before; so you must 
wait.” 

Her face fell, but brightened almost instantly. 
She would win him in the end, she felt sure of it. 


208 The Dawn of a New Era 

“Look, Sybil!” he cried, pointing toward the 
west; “look at that sunset; see, just through those 
trees you can get a wonderful view of it.” 

“Yes,” she exclaimed, gazing in rapture. “See 
the golden tints blending with purple and orange. 
Isn’t it marvelous?” Then the man turned and 
looked at the woman by his side, the new woman, 
the free woman. His inmost soul cried out in 
hungry longing: 

“The sunset’s beautiful, dearest! but you, O, 
my own, I have never seen anything one-half as 
lovely as you. You are marvelous, wonderful, 
and I love you, I love you. But why do you have 
such impractical dreams in a sinful world.” 


CHAPTER XXXIII 


S YBIL was seated by the window in her own 
room, her lap full of campaign papers. She 
was trying to study out some of the puzzling prob- 
lems that the women had been endeavoring to 
solve. She had been very busy during Jack’s ab- 
sence, and had accomplished many things. 

Soon after Dorothy’s first visit to see her, she 
had told her in detail of the wonderful campaign 
she had on foot, and Dorothy had become one 
of her most enthusiastic followers. She invited 
all the Woman’s Bible-classes in the town to meet 
with her, and had set a time for them to meet 
with Sybil. 

When they came, Sybil arose and with clear- 
ness and force, told them of her dream, of her 
plans, and of the work the women in Kentucky 
were doing. She met with wonderful success. 
With the exception of two or three, the women 
were all eager to enter on the campaign. 

Sybil was thinking of these things as she sat 
by the window with the papers open in her lap. 
A soft smile overspread her face. She was 
unusually happy this afternoon. 

209 


210 The Dawn of a New Era 

Gazing out of the window casually, she saw 
Josh working with the beautiful flower-garden 
that Jack had had planted just in view of her 
window. She sprang up quickly. She had almost 
forgotten her promise to Josh of helping him 
with them. Picking up her sun-hat, which had 
been carelessly thrown on the bed, she stepped 
lightly out of the room and down the steps. As 
she opened the door, she was met by the manly, 
little figure of her boy. He looked up with a 
smile on his ruddy face. 

“Want to go driving, Mother?” he asked in 
his rich youthful voice. “The car’s outside wait- 
ing. Do you want to go?” 

Sybil kissed him joyously, and was preparing 
to speak, when he interrupted her and added 
hastily : 

“Uncle Jack said for me to take you for a drive 
every afternoon; he said it would do you worlds 
of good.” 

“You’re mighty sweet, honey boy, and Uncle 
Jack is very thoughtful. I’d love dearly to go, 
but I promised Josh that I’d let him explain all 
about the flowers to me this afternoon. I’ll go 
with you to-morrow if you want me to.” 

“All right. I wish you hadn’t promised Josh.” 

“Wait a moment!” she cried suddenly. “Uncle 
Jack will be here to-morrow, and I don’t know 
whether I can go or not ” but she had time 


The Dawn of a New Era 21 1 

to say no more for the boy’s wild cry of joy cut 
her short. 

“Hallelujah! Gee! but I’m glad. I thought it 
was about time he was cornin’ back. It seems as 
if he’s been gone a hundred years. O, I’m glad!” 

“You can take grand-dad for a ride, dear,” his 
mother suggested. “I’m sure he’ll go with you.” 

“That’s so, I can. All right, I’ll go get grand- 
dad. Good-by, Mother,” and he was gone. 

Sybil turned with a smile and went in search of 
Josh. He was very busy when she found him. 

“How do you keep these flowers blooming so 
beautifully, Uncle Josh?” she asked sweetly. 

The old negro turned to her and grinned. 
“Lawd, honey, Marse Jack tol’ me I’d better keep 
dis hyar gyarden spick and span, ef I wan’ him to 
tek keer ob me. Honey,” he said suddenly, 
scratching his head. “I been worrisome a whole 
lot ober yer, twil a idee struck me in de haid, an’ 
it been er wigglin’ in dar eber since.” 

Sybil laughed merrily: “What in the world, 
Uncle Josh?” she cried. 

“I hates ter tell you, but yer ol’ dad an’ me ain’t 
got no secrets frum one nudder, and he up an’ 
tol’ me ’bout dat ol’ liar in Kentuck, en I’s gwine 
ter ring his infumous neck some dese days. 
Whut’s dis worl’ cornin’ to enyway, honey ! Didn’t 
know nobody but niggers an’ po’ white trash act 
lak dat. But de styles am change mightily sense 


212 The Dawn of a New Era 

de wah, day am changed t’wil cain’t tell no difunce 
t’wen holy an on - holy wedlok,” he added with 
hopeless resignation. “But guess de good Lawd 
been savin’ Marse Jack jes for you; an’, honey, he 
sho wuz good to yo’ paw when he wuz ’bout to be 
turned out inter de streets. He tuk en paid all 
he debts an’ come lib wid de Gin’ral hisse’f.” 

Seeing how white her face had become, he 
stopped instantly and cried anxiously: “Whut’s 
de matter wid you, chil’? You’se white es a 
ghost.” 

“I’m tired and must hurry to the house,” she 
cried quickly, for she could scarcely stand. 

“But you ain’t lemme show you ’bout de flowers 
yit,” he began. 

“You can show me about them in the morning; 
I must go now.” She went toward the house, with 
Josh staring after her in wonder and consterna- 
tion. 


CHAPTER XXXIV 


I T was a pleasant afternoon, and Sybil was 
seated out under the great oak in her fath- 
er’s lawn, the same old oak she had sat under 
many years ago. Many questions had been weigh- 
ing heavily on her of late and had required deep, 
earnest thought. So engrossed was she now in 
pondering them, that Jack’s footsteps coming to- 
ward her across the lawn failed to attract her at- 
tention. He was almost by her side when she 
became aware of his presence. She arose quickly 
as if in fright. 

“Sybil, I can’t understand you since my return,” 
Jack began in pained tones. “You always try to 
avoid me. What does it mean?” 

“I’m sorry, Jack,” was all she said. 

“I can’t understand,” he continued a trifle im- 
patiently. “You manage never to have a moment 
alone with me, and you didn’t act so strangely be- 
fore I went to Washington. You’re not afraid of 
me, are you, Sybil?” 

“Jack, you seem to forget that I am a married 
woman, and that is the reason I treat you as I do. 
That’s the reason I refused to go to church with 
213 


214 The Dawn of a New Era 

you last night. Jack,” she hesitated for a mo- 
ment, then went on firmly, “Jack, I want to tell 
you that I must leave my father’s house.” She 
checked him as he was about to speak and hur- 
ried on rapidly. “Yes, I must leave this house. 
As much as I love you as a friend and brother, 
I could not continue living here after what Uncle 
Josh has told me. I had suspected something, 
but never until three days ago did I know with- 
out a doubt the true state of affairs. I have been 
here two months and must leave. Don’t think 
I haven’t appreciated what you have done,” she 
added quickly, as the tears gathered in her eyes. 
“You are the grandest man I have ever known. 
Had you not done what you did for my father, 
had you not befriended him in his time of need, 
I’m afraid he would not have been living now. 
To have seen his beautiful old homestead in the 
hands of strangers would have broken his heart. 
He didn’t see it in the hands of strangers, be- 
cause you came to his rescue, you saved him. I 
appreciate this more than you can ever know,” 
looking straight into his eyes; “I can never re- 
pay you.” 

“I did only what any other fellow would have 
done for the best friend he had on earth,” Jack 
said, rubbing his hand across his aching brow. 
“But, Syb,” he added, beseechingly gazing into 
her eyes with infinite yearning, “you are talking 


The Dawn of a New Era 215 

wildly when you speak of leaving here. Of course, 
you are not going to leave. If I’m the cause of 
your going away, then I’ll gladly, willingly find a 
home elsewhere.” 

“No,” she interrupted him, smiling sadly. “My 
plans are fully made. I have secured from Dor- 
othy the promise to rent me two rooms near her 
home, and I shall teach music. I’ll come often 
and see Father. Don’t you worry about me; I’ll 
get along all right.” 

“Well then, Sybil, if you’re too proud to ac- 
cept a home from me, you’ll at least work for me 
for honest pay? I am needing a private secretary 
very much just at present — you wouldn’t mind 
that?” He scanned her face with feverish eager- 
ness. 

She looked at him sorrowfully. “You don’t 
know the pain it causes me to refuse any request 
of yours, Jack, especially after all you have done 
for me,” she faltered with tears in her eyes. 
“But it seems that I am fated to cause you sor- 
row. It’s not my pride that is making me leave 
your dear, happy home, and it is not that I mind 
the work that is going to make me refuse your 
kind offer to be your secretary.” She paused a 
moment and looked up at him. “Oh, we mustn’t 
knowingly throw temptation in our paths.” She 
stopped short at Jack’s burning gaze. He bent 


21 6 


The Dawn of a New Era 


close to her, and spoke in low tones, trembling 
with emotion. 

“Sybil, it’s been hard enough to live without 
you all these years, and you’re not going to deny 
me that pleasure now?” and without waiting for 
an answer, he continued: “You must remember 
that this place belongs to your father; I only paid 
off an old mortgage on it, and nothing in the world 
would induce me to let you leave here. Your fa- 
ther needs you, and rather than see you leave your 
childhood home, I’d move out of the country, 
never to return; but, Sybil, you are not going to 
make me do that?” 

He was pleading with her in hot, passionate 
tones, his whole being convulsed with his great 
love for her. His words tortured the woman by 
his side more than he could ever know. How 
could she bear to see the anguish her words would 
cause him when she answered as she knew she 
must? She prayed silently for strength. 

“Jack,” she began tenderly. “I do not de- 
serve all the unselfish devotion you have given 
me. 

“Then you have known all along that I loved 
you,” he burst forth impetuously. “You with your 
woman’s intuition, have seen it all ” 

“Hush, Jack, hush!” she interrupted quickly. 
“You do not understand me.” 

“O, yes I do. You’ve known all along that 


The Dawn of a New Era 217 

I loved you — God alone can ever know how 
much ” 

“No, no; stop, Jack. I won’t hear you.” 

“Yes — yes you will,” he answered with quiet 
determination, a great fear stealing into his heart. 
“You will listen to the old sweetheart of your girl- 
hood. Never before have I demanded anything 
of you, but now I do demand that you hear me 
through. Sybil,” leaning closer and speaking in 
half dreamy tones, “no one on earth has ever 
loved as I have loved you, and you can never 
know how hard I’ve fought these last two months 
to keep silent, to keep from betraying myself. It 
was all that human nature could endure at times, 
and yet I kept silent. Thank God, I no longer 
have to curb my tongue, at last, I can tell you 
all. Dearest,” his voice sank to one of the ten- 
derest love and pleading, “I love you; I love you. 
There has never been any other woman save you 
for me. I have seen many beauties yet none have 
eve^ measured up to your standard. You are my 
star, dear, my shining light.” 

“Please, please, Jack,” she cried in anguish. 
“Don’t say more. Think of your marvelous suc- 
cess in this world, of your many and great accom- 
plishments. Surely they satisfy you.” 

“Success !” he echoed scornfully. “All the pub- 
lic applause I ever received in my life is a hollow 
mockery without you. I’d willingly give up every- 


2i8 The Dawn of a New Era 

thing I have ever received from the world just 
to have you the queen of my home.” 

“I know you love me, Jack,” she said, softly, 
“for true love is measured by sacrifice. I wish I 
could repay you for the many things you have 
given up for me, and, if I was not a married 
woman and my husband living, I would marry you 
and try in every way possible to make up for the 
suffering I have caused you. But I can not; it’s 
impossible.” 

“Yes, you can; it’s not impossible,” he inter- 
rupted quickly. “It’s possible, and very probable 
that you will marry me. Can’t you see you are 
robbing two young people of all their happiness 
just for a foolish sentiment? You made a mis- 
take and married the wrong man; I might have 
made a similar one. The thing for you to do is 
to blot out the past and live in the present and 
the future, forgetting all that has happened to 
mar your life. With our ripened experiences, 
you and I can love all the more deeply.” He 
leaned forward and clasped her hand tightly. 
“Tell me you love me, darling.” 

Sybil gently released her hand and said quietly 
but firmly: “I do love you sincerely, Jack, but 
not in the way you want me to. I will not allow 
myself to love you ” 

“Don’t say that, Sybil,” he begged. “I love 


The Dawn of a New Era 219 

you so well that my very love for you should draw 
you with irresistible power.” 

“I shall never allow myself to care for you in 
the way you desire,” she repeated steadily. “You 
are a Christian gentleman and should not ask me 
to break this sacred covenant I have made before 
God and man.” 

“I’m not asking you to break it, Sybil. It’s 
already been broken and you are not the guilty 
party. Didn’t this wretch, after your years of 
faithful devotion, throw you out on a hard world 
to starve? Didn’t the hellish scoundrel get a 
divorce and ” 

“Don’t, Jack !” she gasped. “Please don’t speak 
of my husband in that manner.” 

“The damn blackguard is not your husband,” 
he broke out hotly. “He deserted you and is now 
the husband of another woman.” 

“The civil law may say that he is the husband 
of another woman, but God’s divine law says he 
is not.” 

“Society doesn’t ask,” he argued, “what does 
Jesus say or require, but what does public opinion 
demand. These civil laws, the embodiment of 
the people, are good enough for me, and you’ll 
agree with me when you’re mine. I’ll make up 
for all the cruel treatment you received from that 
inhuman cur. My every thought will be of how 
to make you happy.” 


220 The Dawn of a New Era 

“Jack, it’s useless for you to talk like that. You 
can never change me, even if all the laws in the 
world change.” 

“Yes, I can, my heroic little woman. When 
you are mine, I intend to clear your mind of these 
fanatical ideas. You will realize that some of 
Christ’s teachings are too high for us to live by. 
We are just human, and He remembers that we 
are ‘but dust,’ ” he smiled at her tenderly. “You 
have been a little too spiritual to live in this prac- 
tical world. Your married life is a thing of the 
past, and why will you still cling to a memory?” 

“Not a memory, but a divine truth,” she an- 
swered with a sweet, sad smile. “Think of the 
chaos the world is in to-day,” she continued ear- 
nestly. “Only think of the disorder and strife it 
is in at present, as a result of people living in 
their own selfish pleasure, regardless of God’s 
divine laws. John the Baptist, the mighty 
preacher of righteousness, was murdered in a dun- 
geon, for reproving Herod for living with an- 
other man’s wife. Where are our fearless men 
like these to-day?” she asked anxiously. “Just 
think of the suffering that is resulting from broken 
marriage-vows, and still there is never a hand 
raised in protest.” 

“There would be no suffering in our case,” he 
protested vehemently. 


The Dawn of a New Era 221 

“Every case of this kind affects the world,” she 
answered with decision. 

“But where is the justice in your wasting your 
life as you are? All other contracts can be broken 
by a mutual agreement of both parties. Why not 
the marriage-contract?” he asked. 

“Just because the marriage-contract is a cove- 
nant and not a contract,” she answered quietly. 
“As for the justice of God’s laws, I don’t question 
them. I can only ask: ‘Shall mortal man be more 
just than God? Shall a man be more pure than 
his maker’?” 

He noticed her unusual pallor. “You are 
shivering, Sybil,” he exclaimed suddenly, looking 
at her anxiously. “Are you cold?” 

“Just a little, but that doesn’t matter. There’s 
one other thing I want to say before we go in, 
Jack. You haven’t mentioned that bill I asked 
you to introduce in Congress.” She scanned his 
face with intense pleading in her own. Her voice 
was shaking slightly. She felt cold, but could not 
understand why. “I’ve been so anxious to ask 
you what you decided to do about it,” she con- 
tinued, breathlessly. “Will you help us? O, 
grant me this request, Jack,” as he made no reply. 
“Do this for me for old times’ sake, and I’ll never 
ask another favor of you.” 

“Sybil, I can’t promise. Ask me anything else 
under heaven except to draw a black line through 


222 The Dawn of a New Era 

all my future — for that is what it would mean 
to me,” he pressed his hot hand to his forehead. 

“It is the temptation to marry again, beckoning 
to them, that is destroying the institution of mar- 
riage, and I think it is time for the government to 
take this serious problem into its hands,” she said. 

“We won’t worry over that question now. You 
are cold, dear,” he added with anxiety. “You 
have a chill. Come, we must go in at once.” 
He seized her cold, trembling hand and drew it 
within his arm. “I could never live without you 
again, and I never intend to try,” he cried in burn- 
ing tones. “You will never ask me to, will you, 
my darling?” 

“I’m so cold,” was her only answer. 

As Sybil and Jack entered the house, they were 
met by General Huntington and Gilbert, Jr. 

“Why are you so pale, my child?” inquired the 
old General, in alarm. 

“I am cold,” she replied in a shaky voice. 

“We were getting mighty lonesome without 
you and Uncle Jack,” interrupted Gilbert, Jr., 
placing his strong arm lovingly about her waist 
and kissing her. “You’re not feeling badly?” he 
whispered, pressing her close. “I just simply 
couldn’t live without you, Mother.” 

“Bring Mother a wrap, darling,” was the low, 
sweet answer. “I don’t seem to get any warmer.” 

Before Gilbert could run up-stairs for a wrap, 


The Dawn of a New Era 223 

Jack had slipped a big, all-wool Indian blanket 
around her shoulders. 

“There now, that will warm you,” and then he 
turned to the older man : “I am afraid Sybil has 
exposed herself too much lately.” 

“I can’t do anything with her, my boy. She 
is determined to spend the most of her time in 
that poverty-stricken district.” 

“Father, don’t scold me now,” she said wearily, 
bending forward and sighing deeply. “Oh I” 
They were all at her side instantly. 

“What is it, my child?” cried her father, the 
cold sweat standing out on his forehead. 

“Right here,” she clasped her hand to her side. 
“There is such a sharp pain here that I can scarce- 
ly breathe.” 

While General Huntington and Gilbert, Jr., 
were trying to make her comfortable, Jack hur- 
riedly ’phoned for Doctor Fleming. The old man 
had been the family physician of the Huntingtons 
and Carpenters even before their children had 
been born, and he loved Sybil almost as he did 
his own children. 

The General followed his faithful old friend 
to the door and whispered tremblingly: “Do you 
think there is anything serious ?” 

“Well,” the Doctor stroked his beard thought- 
fully, “we never know how these chills may termi- 
nate. Her temperature is very high, and I don’t 


224 The Dawn of a New Era 

like that severe pain in her left lung. She has 
some symptoms of pneumonia,” he added 
seriously. 

“Do work hard to ward off this dreadful dis- 
ease, George. You know what a delicate constitu- 
tion Sybil has ; I’m afraid she would never survive 
a case of pneumonia.” 

“God knows I’ll do all I can, General,” he as- 
sured him. “May I speak to Jack. She must be 
removed to her room as soon as possible.” 

Jack hastened to the door, and, after a short 
conference with the Doctor, he returned to the 
couch where Sybil was lying. 

“The Doctor says you must be taken to your 
room as gently as possible,” said her father. 

“I can’t go now,” she said, looking up at him, 
her eyes full of pain and suffering. “I’ll have to 
wait until my side gets better. I couldn’t possibly 
walk a step now.” 

“Of course, you can’t walk,” Jack said, as he 
leaned down and slipped his strong arms tenderly 
under her slender form. 

“But you must not, Jack,” she gasped. “Father 
can help me.” 

“It’s useless to resist now, Sybil. It requires 
all the General’s strength to climb those steps 
alone.” As he laid her lovingly on her bed, he 
whispered close to her ear: “I’ll nurse you back 
to health, sweetheart, and then we’ll be married 


The Dawn of a New Era 225 

and nothing in heaven or earth can take my love 
from me.” 

The General watched by his daughter’s bedside 
all night, bathing her hot temples in a vain effort 
to reduce the burning fever. 

Gilbert, Jr., had cried himself to sleep, and 
when he awoke, there was a heavy burden weigh- 
ing on his little heart. After praying earnestly 
for his mother to be better, he quietly entered her 
room, and, approaching her bedside with tear- 
stained eyes, he kissed her hands and face over 
and over again. 

“My little mother can’t be sick; I can’t bear it, 
Grandpa,” he cried piteously. “Pray that she will 
be well to-morrow, please, Grandpa. O, every- 
thing is so dark and awful when she is sick. I 
asked God last night to make me sick in her 
place.” 

General Huntington dashed a tear from his 
own cheek, and, kissing the little fellow lovingly, 
said soothingly: “I, too, have been praying, son, 
and God hears us; she will be well soon.” 

Sybil had been asleep but the General’s last 
words aroused her. She looked up at them, and 
smiled. A gentle knock was heard at the door, 
and in answer to the General’s call, the door was 
opened, and Jack, followed by a little woman in 
white, entered. 

“This is Miss Frost, Sybil,” he said cheerily. 


226 The Dawn of a New Era 

“She has come to help us get you well. See also 
what I have brought you?” holding out some 
large, beautiful roses, with a smile. 

“I think I am better this morning,” she replied, 
“and these roses are enough to make one well.” 
She smiled at Jack gratefully. 


CHAPTER XXXV 


HY is it you seem to have lost all your 



vv pride, dearest?” Stuart asked, in a slight- 
ly impatient tone, as Amelia entered the room and 
dropped down on a trunk beside him. 

She was slovenly in appearance; her long hair 
was uncombed, her shoes unlaced, and a soiled 
cook-apron covered her. At his inquiry, she 
glanced up quickly, her full lips curled. 

“I’m afraid you are neglecting yourself. You 
used to look so neat in my office,” he continued. 

“Really?” she asked sarcastically. “If you 
want to know why I am untidy, I can tell you 
mighty quick. Circumstances alter cases, and 
mine have altered very greatly since then. When 
I worked for you in Kentucky, I was always pow- 
dered and primped when you saw me, and I had 
my ‘company’ manners on also. Then, too, you 
were some account.” She glared at him fiercely. 
“Then you furnished me plenty of money to buy 
good clothes with. Now, I don’t care how I look. 
I don’t have any money and I’m getting awful 
tired living on love.” Her voice rose to an angry 
pitch. “I think you might make enough money 


228 The Dawn of a New Era 

once in a while to give me enough to get some 
decent clothes. Just look what I have on now. 
Just glance at these old shoes I’m compelled to 
wear; I haven’t had a new dress in six months. 
I tell you I’m getting tired — tired! We’ve been 
living together a year, and life has been nothing 
but a struggle for existence. O, I know we were 
happy at first,” as he made a move to protest, “but 
the novelty soon wore off, and ” 

“Amelia, you know full well that I give you 
every cent I can make — and I didn’t intend to 
criticize or make you angry by asking you about 
your looks.” 

“No, you never mean to make me angry,” she 
broke in, hotly. “As to giving me every cent you 
can get, I’ll say that is precious little. I’m just 
simply becoming tired of this life; I’m weary of 
our life together. I am not going to be your un- 
paid servant any longer.” 

“Amelia!” 

“O, you needn’t look so startled. You still love 
your first wife better than you do me, but it doesn’t 
bother me in the least. I have ceased to care 
about what you do and say. ‘Familiarity breeds 
contempt,’ and it certainly has in our case. I did 
something yesterday that is going to surprise you,” 
she announced defiantly. 

“What was that?” he asked quickly. 

“I asked Mr. Morehead if he needed a stenog- 


The Dawn of a New Era 229 

rapher.” Stuart gasped. “Yes, that’s exactly 
what I did,” she added insolently. “He said he 
had been thinking of letting Mr. Fry, the man 
that has been working for him, go because he had 
to pay him seventy-five dollars a month. He said 
that he knew that was no more than a man of 
his family needed, but what was the use of paying 
out that much money when he could get a girl for 
so much less. I told him I would work for fifty. 
Now what do you think? He accepted my serv- 
ices immediately, and I’m to begin working for 
him to-morrow morning,” she exclaimed chal- 
lengingly. 

“My God! What do you mean, girl? You are 
joking. You surely wouldn’t make arrangements 
with some other man to be his stenographer with- 
out consulting me? Did you ever imagine I’d let 
you — with your personal attractions — sit alone all 
day in a private office with any other fellow? No, 
I’ll never permit such a thing.” 

She gazed at him with a tantalizing smile. 
“And Mr. Stuart imagines I’m going to ask him 
about anything that I intend to do? You’re a 
fool if you think I would pay the slightest heed to 
your wishes in anything,” she said disdainfully. 

“I tell you, I won’t let you do this fool thing.” 

“And I tell you, I’ll do as I please. Our 
grocery bill, our rent, and numerous other things 
are due, and we’ve got to have money to pay them. 


230 The Dawn of a New 1 Era 

I haven’t any clothes ; so that’s another important 
reason I am going to work for Mr. Morehead.” 

“I am perfectly aware of the bills being due, 
and of the clothes you need; but that doesn’t alter 
the case one atom. You simply can not work for 
Morehead. If need be, we’ll just starve together 
— and, yes, die if necessary before you shall be 
the private companion of any other man. It’s not 
right for a man’s wife to be associated intimately 
with any man except her own husband.” 

“But I’m not your wife,” came in scathing 
tones. “We’re merely ‘living’ together. I’ll most 
certainly not dream of starving with you. If it 
doesn’t please you for me to work for Mr. More- 
head, go get wife No. 3. You believe in the Free 
Love doctrine, and, if I don’t please you, try an- 
other.” With that, she tossed her head haughtily 
and walked from the room. 

Three days later, while Stuart was walking 
despondently from his office toward home, he saw 
Amelia coming down the street toward him with 
a well-dressed man. They were talking and laugh- 
ing very animatedly. When they reached Stuart, 
they stopped, and, turning to Stuart, Amelia said 
carelessly: 

“This is Mr. Morehead, Mr. Stuart.” 

“I have met him before,” said her employer, 
smiling and offering his hand. Stuart ignored it 
and bowed coldly. 


The Dawn of a New Era 


231 


“You must come and see us often, Mr. Stuart,’’ 
continued Mr. Morehead, pleasantly, ignoring the 
other’s coolness. 

“Thank you,” Stuart replied frigidly. 

“I’ll be home by six, Gilbert,” Amelia threw 
over her shoulder, as she and her employer passed 
the unhappy man and disappeared out of sight. 

The following morning, Amelia looked espe- 
cially pretty and bright. She had taken unusual 
care to present an attractive appearance that 
morning, and had succeeded in doing so. Never 
had she appeared more charming and lovable. 

“You’re beautiful this morning, dear,” Stuart 
sighed, as they left the house together. 

“That’s exactly what Mr. Morehead told me 
yesterday,” she answered lightly. “We are going 
to Ragsdale to-morrow in his car. Won’t it be 
fine to go to a swell hotel once more? Mr. 
Morehead is one of the finest men I ever knew,” 
she continued without giving him a chance to re- 
ply. “I can’t possibly understand why he’s never 
married.” 

Stuart could endure it no longer. “I’m getting 
devilish tired of hearing you sing that man’s 
praises,” he broke forth darkly. “I’ll be damned 
if you go to Ragsdale in a car with him to-morrow 
or any other time. I had about become recon- 
ciled to having you work for him, but when it 
comes to going about to hotels with him, that’s 


232 The Dawn of a New Era 

something I won’t put up with a single instant. 
You shan’t go!” 

“I’ll show you whether I’ll go or not, Mr. 
Tyrant,” she answered as she turned the corner, 
and was gone. 

Amelia arose early the next morning, and hur- 
riedly dressed, as Mr. Morehead and she were to 
start on their trip early. She had had it out with 
Stuart that night, and he had given in weakly at 
last. 

“Aren’t you going to kiss me good-by, sweet- 
heart?” asked Stuart, eagerly, as she placed her 
hand on the knob of the door. 

“Don’t you ever call me that again,” she said 
coldly, and closed the door behind her. 

“My God, what a miserable fool I am. ‘What- 
soever a man soweth that shall he also reap.’ God 
in heaven, what a pitiful harvest I’m reaping,” 
moaned the big man in agony. His face was 
strangely drawn with pain, and a long, shudder- 
ing sigh passed over his frame. “How happy I 
thought I would be to have this girl to myself, for 
my very own. What a fool I’ve been. My idol 
has crumbled to ashes.” He bent his head on his 
arm in despair. 

At length, he raised it, and with a tender smile, 
he reached inside his coat and took out a little 
picture. He looked at it longingly, and the tears 
gathered in his eyes. Sybil had placed it in his 


The Dawn of a New Era 


233 


trunk when she packed it for him on the eve of 
his departure. It was a picture of herself, with 
Gilbert, Jr., standing by her side, and their little 
baby in her arms. How well he recalled the day 
the picture was taken. Sybil had had the chil- 
dren in the back yard, and they were laughing at 
the chickens, when he had called to them and told 
them he was going to snap their pictures. God, 
was there another such miserable human on earth 
as he? He clutched the picture tightly and raised 
it toward his lips; but no, his vile lips should not 
defile the purity of that little picture. His lips 
should not pollute it. He silently replaced it in 
his pocket, and stumbled toward the kitchen. His 
wife had not prepared his breakfast for him, as 
she was in haste to be off, and he himself cooked 
what little they had to eat. 

All day long, Stuart paced his office-floor rest- 
lessly. There was no business coming in of late; 
his own clothes were getting shabby, and he had 
scarcely anything to eat at home. 

“Oh, what a life I am living!” the wretched 
man cried bitterly. “The woman I believed to 
be my mate is in love with another man, but he 
shall never have her. By God, he’ll never have 
her — never,” and he whipped his knife out of his 
pocket. “Before I’ll see her his, I’ll cut her head 

from her body! Then, I’ll — I’ll ” and he 

made a gesture about his throat as if he would 


234 The Dawn of a New Era 

sever his own head from his body. “Yes, we’ll 
both go to hell together. I’m lost, and I’ll drag 
her along with me. I won’t endure this agony any 
longer.” 

He wheeled suddenly, reached for his hat, and 
started for the door. But when he reached it, 
he halted in indecision. Once again, he took from 
its hiding place the picture of his wife and two 
children, and, as he looked in misery at the happy, 
laughing countenances of his loved ones, he sank 
weakly into a chair. 

“No, I won’t bring murder, too, on them. God 
knows I have wronged them enough without 
that.” 

The night was long and dreary, and the black- 
ness of it impenetrable. The only sound that was 
heard was the occasional howling of a dog. There 
was no more sleep for his eyes that night. Amelia 
had not returned. 

He was thinking, thinking of a broken-hearted 
old mother and a sweet young sister back in Ken- 
tucky, of a happy little home, now ruined forever. 
Why had he never thought of these things as he 
did to-night? Was he beginning to find himself 
again? He jumped from his bed and lighted a 
small candle, and, seizing the little picture from 
its hiding place, he looked at it lovingly and long- 
ingly. 

“My own precious children! My own darling 


The Dawn of a New Era 235 

wife ! No, not mine now,” and an insane suspicion 
gripped his poisoned thoughts. “She’s the wife 
of another man. She is the wife of a United 
States Senator. No, by hell, she shan’t be the wife 
of that old sweetheart of hers. I’ll murder him 
myself.” He clutched the arms of his chair in 
jealous rage, and sat glaring out the window. As 
the hours passed, he became tired and weak. 

It was about daylight when he saw a stylishly 
dressed woman coming in the gate. He waited 
breathlessly for her entrance. 

“Dearest, I’ve waited so long for you,” he said 
humbly, as she entered. 

“What do you mean?” she returned angrily. 

“I’ve been anxiously awaiting the coming of 
my wife.” 

“Your wife! When I think of your ‘wife,’ I 
think you are the most ungrateful wretch that ever 
walked God’s green earth, and I despise every 
bone in your body,” she cried, her grey eyes flash- 
ing fire. 

“Please, dear. Don’t talk that way. You know 
you are my wife now ” he began. 

“No, I’m not your wife,” she blazed, “and I’ll 
never live with you in sin any more. Mr. More- 
head is an honorable man. He saw my poverty- 
stricken condition and advanced me enough money 
to get some decent clothes. I bought them yes- 
terday.” She hesitated a moment and as Stuart 


236 The Dawn of a New Era 

remained silent, she continued: “Mr. Morehead 
has given me passages in the Bible to read, and 
has helped me to see my way clearly out of this 
awful existence that I have endured. I have come 
this morning to tell you that we can not live to- 
gether any longer ; it’s utterly impossible. I must 
hurry if I get my things together and sent away 
from this house before time to go to work.” 

Stuart was mute with astonishment, but did not 
move an inch as she endeavored to pass him in 
order to gain her room. 

“Please step aside. I am going to begin life 
over again. I am going to do my best to live a 
clean, upright life. I realize now beyond any 
doubt that I am living in adultery, and my life 
with you has come to be a constant source of 
misery. I’m fully aware of the fact that it was 
the physical attractions that I may possess that 
you desired. Any other fresh young girl you 
might have associated with intimately, would have 
attracted you just as I did. I was foolish enough 
to appreciate your vile affection.” She stared at 
him in disgust. “But I have a little more wis- 
dom, to my sorrow, now. All these long days 
I’ve spent with you, I’ve worked like a dog, and 
never have you offered me a penny for my serv- 
ices.” 

“But, my dear little girl, we’ve had very little 


The Dawn of a New Era 237 

office-work to do, and you have spent the most of 
your time resting at home.” 

“Resting! You may call it resting, you un- 
grateful pup ! If you think I’ll stay here and rub 
kettles and scrub floors for you for nothing, you’re 
off your base. Because your wife, the one woman 
I reverence above all others, was silly enough to 
slave her life away for you for nothing, you 
needn’t think that I’m that blind an idiot.” She 
hesitated a moment and looked him straight in 
the eye. “I wrote your wife last night, at my 
hotel. I couldn’t sleep until I did. I told her 
how I hated you, how I hated your very presence, 
and begged her to forgive me.” She pressed her 
hands against her throbbing temples. 

Gilbert gazed at the beautiful outline of the 
woman before him, quivering with misery. “For 
God’s sake, don’t — I love you,” he cried with vio- 
lent passion, and clasped her in a close embrace, 
while he covered her face with fervent kisses. She 
struggled to release herself. “Not yet,” he cried 
hoarsely, holding her firmly within his grasp. 
“You’re mine — my wife. I’m headed for hell and 
I’ll carry you there.” 

She flung herself suddenly from his embrace. 
“You dirty coward, to take advantage of a help- 
less woman like that. Oh! don’t speak to me. I 
don’t want to see your face again.” All fear was 


23 8 The Dawn of a New Era 

gone and she faced him with tense figure and eyes 
flashing with anger. 

He lifted his face and looked at her slowly, 
strangely, meaningly. “Do you think I’m the only 
one who has sinned,” he asked with cold delibera- 
tion. 

She started, but quickly regained her com- 
posure. “It matters not what I think. Step aside 
and let me pass.” 

“Do you realize what you are about to do?” 
he asked steadily. 

“Perfectly.” 

He stepped aside and stood in the same posi- 
tion until she reappeared. He was as yet dazed 
and could not fully comprehend the situation. 

“My baggage is ready when they call for it,” 
she said as she started boldly toward the door, 
but Stuart reached it before her, and placing his 
hand firmly on the knob, turned to her. 

“Amelia, my dear, you are mad; you can not 
intend to leave me?” 

“Take your hand from the door,” she com- 
manded imperiously. 

“I can’t believe you really mean to leave me,” 
he repeated helplessly. 

“Well, I’ll show you mighty quick that I do.” 

“Amelia, I love you ” 

“You love your own wife. I have known all 
along that your heart belonged to your family 


The Dawn of a New Era 


239 


back home. Even if it didn’t, that wouldn’t make 
any difference. My mind is fully made up to 
leave you.” 

“Amelia!” 

“Take your hand from the door, please.” 

“Is there no other way?” 

“There is no other way.” 

“Then — good-by, Amelia.” 


CHAPTER XXXVI 


S the days passed, Sybil’s fever raged higher 



r\ and higher, and the breathing became more 
difficult. The bead was plainly audible in both 
lungs, the doctor had announced after a thorough 
examination. The hectic flush burned brightly 
in both cheeks, and, when they heard the little 
hacking cough, they realized the worst. 

She watched their anxious faces with infinite 
pity. On the morning of the fifth day, she asked 
if she might be allowed to speak to Jack privately. 
Her request was instantly granted, and Jack came 
to her, trying to appear brave. 

“And you wanted to talk to me, darling,” he 
asked in tender tones, as he leaned over to catch 
her words. 

“Yes, Jack,” she began with a faint smile, 
speaking in a voice scarcely above a whisper. “I 
wanted to — tell you how — we all love you — and 
— thank you for all — your goodness to us.” She 
struggled for breath. “I am sorry — I can not 
make you happy — in this world, but all things 
work together — for good, and we will meet in — 
Heaven. There’s no marrying there. And Jack,” 


The Dawn of a New Era 


241 


she half raised herself on the bed, but fell back, 
exhausted. The hungry fires in her eyes burned 
with mystic radiance, as she continued in low, pas- 
sionate tones: “I am going to ask — a favor — of 
you — that I would ask — no one else on 
earth ” 

“Don’t try to talk, dear; I can see it pains you. 
If it’s that bill you want passed, I’ll try to help 
you.” She smiled a heavenly smile of joy, and he 
continued gently: “I will try with all my soul 
to help you in anything you wish, darling, even if 
I have to give up my own heart’s desire.” 

She turned a radiant face toward him. “I 
knew — you would, Jack, but that’s not the request 
I ask of you this time. There is another.” She 
slipped a little envelope from underneath her pil- 
low and held it up for him to see the address writ- 
ten on it. At sight of it, he gasped and stared 
at her in wonder and amazement, in which a great 
grief was mingled. 

She smiled sadly. “I can’t live much longer — 
and I want to see him — before I die ” 

A sharp, rending pain tore the very heart- 
strings of the man by her side as she said this. 

“You’ll — not — refuse this — last request?” she 
begged, the yearning in her eyes indescribable. 

With a great effort, the man drew himself up 
and looked destiny in the face. He had nothing 


242 The Dawn of a New Era 

else on earth to hope for after this; she had struck 
him his death blow. 

“Please, Jack — please,” she was pleading 
piteously. He straightened himself with a start, 
and looked down at her in silent agony. 

“Yes — he shall be brought to you. I’ll get him 
and bring him to you at once. Keep your courage 
up, little woman, and he’ll be here as quick as the 
train can bring him, and then you’ll get well.” 

He left her with a wonderful smile of love and 
joy lighting up her pale face, rendering it more 
beautiful in its unearthly happiness. 


CHAPTER XXXVII 


I T was just about dusk when a fast train pulled 
into Charlotte, and two tall men stepped 
quickly from the platform and hurried to a car. 

Everything looked still and deathlike as Stuart 
and Jack approached Sybil’s home, and only a 
few lights could be distinguished burning dimly. 
Jack put his key in the door, and they entered 
without making a sound. 

“We’ll go up to General Huntington’s room 
first,” Jack whispered. “He’s probably been with 
Sybil all day and has gone to his own room for a 
little rest.” 

Gilbert, Jr., who had gone with his grandfather 
at the nurse’s urgent request, heard a light step 
and quickly opened the door. 

“Come in, Uncle Jack. Oh ” he stopped 

speechless with amazement at the sight of his 
father. 

“That’s all right, Gilbert. Your mother wishes 
your father here, and you must say nothing. 
Understand?” 

The boy nodded with blinding tears in his eyes, 
and Jack went on breathlessly: 

243 


244 The Dawn of a New Era 

“How is she?” 

The old General looked up suddenly, and, see- 
ing Stuart, sprang to his feet, and with face dark 
with rage, started toward him. 

“You — you damned blackguard,” he almost 
screamed. “What are you doing in my house? 
You — you, the murderer of my child — the author 
of all her misery — you dare to come here to my 
house.” 

Jack stepped quickly between the two men, and 
addressed General Huntington. “He is here at 
Sybil’s request. Please, General, calm yourself.” 

“My — my daughter asked you to bring this 
man to her?” roared the old man. 

Jack nodded, and then inquired quietly : “How 
is she, General?” 

“She’s been getting worse. To-morrow is the 
ninth day — the crisis will then be determined. Oh, 
boy, it’s killing me,” his voice ended in a sob. 
Again, he stared at Stuart with wild, glaring eyes. 
“You’ve murdered her.” 

Stuart bowed his head in hopeless despair and 
remained silent. 

“No, Grandpa,” interrupted Gilbert, “he hasn’t 
murdered her — he’s come to get her well.” He 
caught both his father’s hands and begged him in 
piteous accents to pray for his mother to get well. 

“I can’t pray,” he said, as he looked at his 
handsome little son with moist eyes. 


The Dawn of a New Era 245 

“Why can’t you pray, Papa?” he heard him 
ask. 

“I am too wicked.” 

“But I’ll show you how.” 

“Come.” Jack touched Stuart on the shoulder. 
“We must hasten to her bedside.” For a single 
instant, Stuart could not move. How could he 
face those beautiful, soulful eyes — that wonder- 
ful, pure countenance after all he had made her 
suffer? 

“Come, Stuart, why are you hesitating?” he 
heard Jack demand rather impatiently. 

With a great effort, Stuart pulled himself to- 
gether and followed Jack unsteadily from the 
room. The nurse stood to one side as they en- 
tered the sick room. Stuart walked slowly over 
to the bedside, and gazed long and sorrowfully 
on the sweet face of his unconscious wife. 

“Speak to her I” Jack exclaimed commandingly. 

“Sybil, sweetheart,” he whispered in a suffo- 
cating voice, bending close over her. 

He saw her lips move, and caught the words: 
“Just — until — he comes, please — dear Lord.” 

“I have come, my darling, my own,” he said 
with eyes so blinded with tears that he could 
scarcely see. 

“Dear Lord — just — until — he comes.” 

“Sybil, Sybil, darling — sweetheart. It is I, Gil- 
bert. Love, speak to me.” 


246 The Dawn of a New Era 

The beautiful, sad eyes slowly opened and, as 
they rested on him, she smiled a heavenly smile 
of joy. Meanwhile, Jack and the nurse had dis- 
appeared. 

“I knew — you would — come — my own,” and 
she held out her little hand to him. 

“I — I can’t touch it, darling,” he cried in a 
strangling voice. “Angels are too sacred to be 
polluted by the touch of a devil.” 

“But — I am not an angel — I am just your wife 
that has been longing for you so long,” she pro- 
tested with a faint smile. She put her hand around 
his and carried it to her lips. “Won’t you kiss 
me, dear?” she looked up appealingly. 

His once handsome face was writhing in an- 
guish. “I — I’m even ashamed to be in the pres- 
ence of such a brave, pure woman as you, darling 
— for I — I’ve been living in hell.” 

“Then you, too, have suffered?” she seemed to 
have gained supernatural strength as she talked 
to him. 

“Suffered! Oh, my God!” broke from his 
trembling lips. “Yet I have not suffered as I de- 
served. I have reached the precipice and am 
ready to leap. You have reached it, too — and 
you’ll go up — I’ll go down. They’ll open the 
pearly gates in Heaven for you; for me, the jaws 
of death are gaping wide; the door to eternal tor- 
ment is open and waiting for my entrance.” 


The Dawn of a New Era 247 

“Don’t!” she cried in agony. “That’s why I 
sent for you,” she continued rapidly. “I was 
afraid you did not understand our Great Father. 
He is full of mercy and compassion, dear — and 
you are just in the attitude to be forgiven.” 

“Forgiven! Why, I wouldn’t dare ask you to 
forgive me — do you think for a moment that I 
would ask God?” he cried in despair. 

“I’ll ask Him to forgive you, Gilbert,” the 
sweet voice said. “Kneel by my bedside. I’ll ask 
Him.” 

Some things are too sacred for man’s eyes to 
see, or ears to hear, but during this prayer, a 
mighty miracle was wrought. Stuart’s life was 
saved and he was converted to God. 

All night long, Stuart sat by her bedside, hold- 
ing the little hand, with the others sitting close by. 
She had not regained consciousness all night, but, 
toward morning, she opened her eyes, and, seeing 
Stuart holding her hand, she made a feeble effort 
to smile. 

“Darling, are you feeling better?” He bent 
over her and scanned her face for the answer 
with burning intensity. 

She was about to reply when a sharp pain 
caused her to gasp for breath. Instantly, doctors 
and nurses were by her side. After working faith- 
fully for about thirty minutes, they turned to the 
huddled group about the bedside. 


24B 


The Dawn of a New Era 


“I’m afraid she can’t live until morning.” 

A low, heart-broken cry was their only answer, 
and Gilbert, Jr., was at his mother’s bedside. 

“Mother! Darling, precious mother, you are 
not going to leave me alone! Tell me — tell 

me ” his voice broke off in wild sobbing. 

Stuart clasped his little hand firmly within his own, 
saying in broken tones: “I’ll try to take her 
place, my son.” 

Dr. Fleming raised his head and looked around. 

“Be quiet, please,” he whispered. “Sybil wants 
to say something.” 

She closed her eyes slowly, a peaceful smile 
overspreading her pale, deathlike face. Presently 
a slight movement of her lips was visible. They 
had to bend close to catch her last words. 

“It’s — so bright — and beauti-ful There’s 

— mama waiting Papa — ” she called faint- 

ly. “You — must for — give — my husband — you 
— must all — love — one — another ” 


CHAPTER XXXVIII 


T HE six years following the death of Sybil 
were filled with events of great importance 
not only in the lives of the characters of this book 
but in the lives of the entire world. 

Jack’s devotion and sympathy for the old gen- 
eral increased with his declining years. He had 
insisted that Gilbert, Jr., remain with his grand- 
father and comfort him in his old age, but Sybil 
had asked Stuart to take his son and return to his 
old home. 

The boy had smiled sadly when he had kissed 
his grandfather and Uncle Jack good-by and had 
told them with all the courage and determination 
he could summon, that he would do as his mother 
had requested and that he and his father would 
“make it all right.” 

Stuart arrived at the home of his mother and 
sister, bowed with grief. His feeble mother wel- 
comed him with open arms, but Ruth only looked 
at him reproachfully and burst into tears. They 
both, however, rejoiced to have Gilbert, Jr., again, 
and the boy from the first was braver than his 
father. He tried in every way to comfort and 
249 


250 The Dawn of a New Era 

encourage him as the days went by, and when, 
after several vain efforts to gain work, he at last 
contrived to buy back his paper business, he came 
in and announced cheerfully that they were ‘going 
some.’ “We will manage finely now, father,” he 
had said and then noticing his father’s down-cast 
face, he had added: “If you need anything, just 
let me know, dad. I’ll be making plenty for us 
both, you know.” 

That night Stuart felt unusually depressed. 
When he could endure it no longer he snatched up 
his hat and went out into the cool night air to 
think. If only Sybil had taught the boy to hate 
his unworthy father instead of to love him! If 
in any way his son would reproach him, he could 
endure his misery better. 

The night was very dark and as he extended 
his hand before him he noticed a few drops of 
rain. He walked on and on unmindful of where 
his footsteps were leading him. Why, why 
couldn’t he have been taken instead of his wife, 
he asked himself in agony, when his foot struck 
something and he fell forward on his face. He 
instantly felt a sharp pain about his right cheek, 
and as he touched it with his finger he found that 
it was bleeding and that a stick had pierced his 
face. With an effort he arose to his feet, and 
resumed his walk. Suddenly he stopped for he 
seemed to be standing on sacred ground. Before 


The Dawn of a New Era 251 

him was the little cottage on East Street. It 
seemed as though the sight of it drove a dagger 
into his very heart. He caught at his breast and 
bowed his head in agonized suffering. He raised 
it presently to make sure that no one was in sight, 
then gazed with hot, burning eyes upon his for- 
mer happy home. The realization of his punish- 
ment, the humiliation of his conscience-stricken 
soul overwhelmed him. How slight was the phys- 
ical pain of his bleeding cheek, in comparison with 
this mental torture and heartache. He had had 
a mysterious awakening. He had come to him- 
self. He realized that the sin that had been 
“pleasant to the eyes and to be desired” did not 
appear to him to-night as it had done in the be- 
ginning. It was not the ugly, hideous thing, that 
it was to-night. Memory ! ah, why had God given 
him such a vivid memory! His mind was wan- 
dering back to the days when he had stumbled 
and fallen, when he, a married man, had looked 
upon another woman and wanted her for his own, 
and even though he had put on the apron of civil 
marriage to conceal his guilt, it had brought forth 
sin and its punishment. Although he had been 
forbidden by the warning voice of his conscience 
and the very laws of Christ, he had listened to 
Satan’s whisper and yielded, and in sorrow did 
he eat of the thorns and thistles. It was just 
the same old sin and punishment repeating itself 


252 The Dawn of a New Era 

down through the ages. He had tasted the de- 
spair of the dying soul. The sense of remorse, 
and the consciousness that he had shut the door 
of happiness on himself forever, almost overcame 
him. 

Yes, he was tasting the blackness of death when 
his dying wife held higher her candle and lighted 
the way for him to return to life. He felt that 
he had been snatched from the jaws of hell and 
that he had a great mission to perform. Now 
that he had lost his earthy paradise he must turn 
his face and thoughts from the once pleasant 
garden into the world of work and suffering. 

All night he slept heavily but with the dawn 
came new hopes, new plans, new ideals. Before 
entering upon the duties of the day, he prayed 
earnestly for the Comforter to fill the empty ves- 
sel with His holy spirit. He had lost his Eden, 
but had found his soul. The scales had fallen 
from his eyes and he could see clearly. He was 
now a child of Christ, but only a new born babe, 
that needed the sincere milk of human kindness 
and encouragement. He determined never to 
yield to his sensual and selfish desires again. 


CHAPTER XXXIX 


T HE first two years of temptations and vic- 
tories passed slowly for the man who had 
fallen so low. During these years Stuart had 
worked and studied as never before. Although 
the path was rough and steep, he steadily ad- 
vanced. He had tried hard to fill the place of 
both father and mother with his son. All his 
affections and hopes were centered on his boy, 
and with great paternal pride he watched him 
grow into manhood. 

Stuart had taken charge of the Boy Scout move- 
ment in the little town, in order to be with his 
boy more, and he became so interested in plan- 
ning things for them, that in spite of the sad ex- 
pression on his face, which had become habitual 
since Sybil’s death, he felt that he was growing 
young again. 

On one occasion, when Stuart was talking with 
his son of his future, he had said: “My boy, I 
want you to be the great man I had intended to 
be, had I not allowed the devil to cheat me out 
of my ideals.” 

“I don’t want to be great. I just want to work, 
253 


254 The Dawn of a New Era 

and do lots of good like Mamma did. Any way, 
I’d rather be just one of the plain simple 

folk ” then looking seriously at his father he 

added: “You are still a great man, Father. 
That speech you made the other night at the 
Father’s and Son’s banquet was the best thing I 
ever heard, and you don’t know how proud I was 
of you.” 

“That sounds like your mother, my boy,” his 
father said then, and smiled sadly. 


CHAPTER XL 


D URING the years following that fateful 
summer of 1914, which marked the blaz- 
ing forth of a gigantic European war, Gilbert, Jr., 
and his father watched with growing interest 
every move of the struggle. 

Each night would find Mrs. Stuart and Ruth 
and the father gathered around the fireside listen- 
ing with absorbing interest to the boy as he read 
to them from the daily papers of the war news. 
Often they discussed the probability of America’s 
entering the conflict, and Gilbert, Jr.’s face would 
grow radiant with the courage and enthusiasm of 
young manhood. 

* * * * * * * 

It was a bright, glorious morning and Stuart 
was feeling unusually cheerful and happy, when 
Gilbert, Jr., burst into his office, his face flushed. 

“Dad, Dad ” he gasped. “It’s come! 

We’re going to join the fight, and I’m going with 
the first bunch from here !” Stuart blanched. He 
had expected America to enter the war, but not 
just then, and he could not quite pull himself to- 
gether. He looked up at his boy, so tall, so fine, 
255 


256 The Dawn of a New Era 

so handsome. How could he bear to part with 
him. 

“But Gilbert, there is no necessity of your going 
now,” his voice shook with anxiety. “You are 
barely twenty and are to graduate this year, son.” 

“I know, I know but now that you have been 
elected to the legislature and have your hands 
full, you won’t need me as much as Uncle Sam 
does. And as for school — Why dad, do you think 
I’d stay here and study when I’m needed over yon- 
der? Do you think I could stay here and see 
all the other fellows go? Why, dad, I couldn’t — 
I just couldn’t!” 

With a breaking heart Stuart at last consented 
for Gilbert, Jr., to go. He had even gone to see 
him off and would never forget the cheerful, happy 
expression his young face wore as he bade him 
good-by. 

At first the boy’s letters had come regularly 
and were always filled with hope and courage, but 
after awhile they became irregular and sometimes 
they would not hear from him for weeks. One 
letter they had received informed them that the 
boy was on the firing line and had been slightly 
wounded. Later another came assuring them that 
he was all right. They were to go over the top 
the next day, he went on to say, but told them not 
to fear because he was not afraid. He was fight- 
ing for the right and all would come out well, he 


The Dawn of a New Era 257 

said. Perhaps soon he would get to see them 
all ! His letters were always inspiring and Stuart 
treasured them above everything now. His con- 
stant prayer was that God would return his boy 
to him safely. 

Stuart’s years of upright living since he had 
returned to Riceville, together with the brilliant 
powers of his mind and his generous disposition 
had won him many friends and he was fast be- 
coming one of the most influential men in Western 
Kentucky. 

When the U. S. Senator from Kentucky died 
suddenly of apoplexy, it was Stuart’s friends and 
the powerful assistance of Jack Carpenter who 
managed to have Stuart appointed to fill out the 
late senator’s unexpired term. 

While his message was on its way across the 
sea carrying the good news of his success to his 
boy, another was flashed from the other side that 
Gilbert Stuart , Jr., had been killed in action. 


CHAPTER XLI 


HOUGH the glorious days of early spring 



1 had come and everything was bursting into 
new life and beauty, Gilbert Stuart still bowed his 
head in unbearable anguish. Never could he see 
life the same again. Never again would the sun 
shine so brightly, nor the flowers bloom so 
prettily, nor the birds sing so sweetly for him as 
they had once done. 

The last link that had bound him to earth was 
broken, and there could never more be any hap- 
piness for him. Months passed in which this pre- 
maturely old man walked about with bowed head, 
all hope dead within him. But gradually his vi- 
sion cleared and he began to realize that the veil 
that hid God from His own children was very thin. 
Gradually he became conscious of God’s nearness, 
God’s presence was ever with him, was ever walk- 
ing with him and talking to him. 

All the universe was aflame with God’s glory, 
God’s Spirit was speaking to him through nature. 
The color of the rose, the perfume of the violet, 
the song of the bird, and the sun-kissed tree-tops 
carried their message of God. His image was im- 


The Dawn of a New Era 259 

pressed upon the face of every pure, innocent 
child. He spoke to him through the Bible. As 
he searched the Scriptures, He was speaking to 
him through the Word, and he became possessed 
with a burning desire to see Christ’s kingdom 
come to pass on earth. 


CHAPTER XLII 


HE Woman’s Christian Marriage Union 



X had gained preeminence not only in Ken- 
tucky and Tennessee, but throughout the United 
States of America, and it was generally under- 
stood that Senator Carpenter of Tennessee and 
Senator Stuart, the new Senator from Kentucky, 
were among its most loyal supporters. 

On this day, the 27th of October, the Senate 
Chamber was full to overflowing with eager, ex- 
cited spectators. Senator Gilbert Stuart was go- 
ing to deliver an address of vital importance — 
so it was rumored — an address introducing a bill 
that would shake the foundations of the earth with 
its tremendous importance, its undeniable mean- 
ing. Every one that could possibly gain admit- 
tance was there to hear him. The aisles of the 
chamber were crowded, and people were standing 
in the doorways and sitting in the windows. 

As he arose quietly and stepped out on the 
platform, the tremendous applause that greeted 
him shook the very building. 

“Ladies and gentlemen, young men and young 
women,” he began slowly, looking over the vast 


The Dawn of a New Era 261 

audience before him with a tender smile. They 
bent forward with breathless interest to catch 
every word. “It thrills my soul with joy and 
thanksgiving to see this great assembly of loyal 
citizens gathered here with one great purpose in 
mind, that of establishing better and higher stand- 
ards in our national life — the life of the greatest 
nation in the world ! Who is there of you here 
today that is not proud of America — the land of 
the Free and the home of the Brave?” Cheers. 
“How could we help being loyal to such a country 
as ours? We are proud of her glorious history — 
her splendid institutions — her men of genius — her 
brilliant women, and her brave warriors. We are 
filled with pride when we contemplate that ‘She is 
so blessed with silver and gold and precious met- 
als, that there is no end to her treasures.’ ” 

He stopped and surveyed them, a dreamy smile 
lighting up his face. When he continued his voice 
was full of loving pride. “You ask why God has 
showered so many blessings on us. Shall I an- 
swer?” he asked. “It is because the Pilgrims, our 
forefathers, planted the seeds of righteousness on 
our soil. 

“On the day they set sail for America, they 
gathered in their church to worship ; and, as they 
marched to the sea, their leader read aloud from 
the twelfth chapter of Genesis: Now Jehovah 
said unto Abram, get thee out of thy country, and 


262 The Dawn of a New Era 

from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, 
into the land that I will show thee: and I will 
make thy name great; and thou shalt be a bless- 
ing: and I will bless them that bless thee, and 
curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all 
the families of the earth be blessed. 

“God Almighty has blessed us and made us a 
great nation,” a trance-like look overspread the 
face of the speaker as he continued in a low 
earnest tone: “The secret of her greatness is her 
spirit of service and love. Generosity and sym- 
pathy are her watchwords. Her vast citizenship 
is composed of all nationalities. She is the beacon 
light of the entire human race. She invites all 
nations to come and share her unlimited resources. 
She receives them all and mothers them with 
her great, kind arms. We are glad and happy to 
live in such a glorious republic. 

“Loyal patriots of this great country, I am here 
before you to-day with a heavy burden on my 
heart. God still has other blessings for our na- 
tion, but God’s loyalty to any nation depends on 
that nation’s loyalty to Him. All the way from 
Egypt to the Promised Land, Israel’s prosperity 
depended upon her obedience to God. The pros- 
perity of our beloved nation will continue, just so 
long as she uses her mighty material and spirit- 
ual powers for the uplifting of humanity.” At 


The Dawn of a New Era 263 

these words, so solemnly uttered, a hush fell upon 
the entire audience. 

“Let me ask you, friends; when we remember 
the circumstances of the birth of our nation and 
the sound principles and high ideals our forefath- 
ers taught us, are we really true patriots in every 
sense of the term, if we are not Christian pa- 
triots? 

“As God raised up Israel to be a light unto the 
world,” went on the speaker slowly, “so He has 
raised up America. If, then, our mission is to 
enlighten the world, let us make our nation’s light 
so shine that other nations seeing our great works, 
will glorify our Father who is in heaven. 

“My friends, all nations are looking to us. 
Great responsibilities are resting on our shoul- 
ders.” His voice had sunk to one of tender plead- 
ing, and his quiet, calm face was illumined with a 
great will and purpose. “America has taken her 
stand for Christian ideals. Stupendous tasks 
await us. Will we take up these tasks and go for- 
ward, or will we return to the flesh pots of Egypt? 

“My dear people,” he continued in deep, sol- 
emn tones, “we are in the midst of a mighty revo- 
lution. The world has been brought through sor- 
row and sacrifice to the beginning of a new era. 
The great struggle for freedom has disturbed all 
the relations of human life, and normal conditions 


264 The Dawn of a New Era 

will never be restored until the world has been re- 
organized on Christian principles. 

“Listen to me, friends! It will take men and 
women of strong, Christian courage for the great 
spiritual conquest that confronts us. The smol- 
dering sentiment of discontent in the land is caused 
by the conviction that injustice prevails. Christ’s 
spirit is the only force that can overcome the in- 
justices of any land. He is in the eyes of the 
world as never before, and He is drawing all 
races to Himself with His irresistible power. 

“Not only our nation is awakening to these 
truths, but the whole world is astir with Christian 
thoughts and activities. Christ’s spirit is the most 
disturbing force in existence, and when it comes in 
contact with the demon in individuals or nations, 
there is a struggle. Let us stop for a moment 
and consider the young man possessed of a devil, 
there was a mighty struggle within him, when 
Christ spoke to the devil in him, throwing him on 
his face and causing him to writhe in anguish; 
but after the terrible conflict, Christ’s spirit con- 
quered, and the young man arose calm and strong 
in body and mind. Was there ever a better 
example of His spirit than this mighty conflict 
that has just passed. Though our victories have 
surpassed our greatest expectations in a military 
way, yet has Christ’s spirit completely conquered? 
Though the great peace conference has reached 


The Dawn of a New Era 2 65 

an agreement, yet will this entirely cure the inter- 
nal disorder and spirit of unrest and discontent 
among our people?” he asked anxiously. 

“Humanity can only be redeemed through the 
forces of universal brotherhood and love. If we 
accept the brotherhood of man and the Father- 
hood of God, then the world is just one big fam- 
ily, white, black and yellow, and we are all broth- 
ers of one Father, who is above all — and through 
all — and in all. His guiding hand directs the af- 
fairs of all nations, just as He does the affairs of 
all individuals, and, although we have just passed 
through the darkest hours in the history of the 
world, still our Heavenly Father is guiding the 
affairs of His earthly children. He has turned 
on His powerful search-light, and our commercial, 
industrial, social and moral defects have been 
disclosed as never before. 

“The great Protestant denominations have 
started a crusade to win the world for Christ, and 
this great missionary movement that is sweeping 
over our country, and gathering up a few of God’s 
tithes, is only the beginning of the great recon- 
struction that must come.” 

His voice was vibrant with emotion, and the 
people held on to his words as if he were a mes- 
senger of God. 

He continued with deep feeling: “Let us fall 
in line with this mighty crusade that is moving 


266 The Dawn of a New Era 

forward and upward, and prove to the world that 
our precious boys did not suffer and die in vain. 
The first step in this reconstruction should be to 
revise some of our laws that so vitally affect our 
national life. If we are endeavoring to build a 
civilization that will endure, we should have a 
firm foundation. As Jesus Christ is the corner- 
stone of the church, so the home is the corner- 
stone of civilization. Can a stream rise above 
its source? You answer no! Then no nation 
can rise above its home-life. Let us listen to the 
words of the poet, who has caught the spirit of 
truth, when he says : 

“ ‘We are building a nation of free men, we are 
building a race to endure, 

We are blazing a path for the children of men, a 
path where the footing is sure ; 

We have truth for its mighty foundation, its 
girders are justice and right, 

And the peace of the home in the twilight is the 
body and soul of our might.’ 

“Do we realize, dear people, that the problem 
of American life lies here? The problem of all 
nations lies here. If we allow our homes to 
crumble, then we can look for nothing better of 
our national life. The power and strength of 
any nation depends on the purity of its family- 


The Dawn of a New Era 267 

life. The perpetuity of a nation does not depend 
on its material or physical resources, but on its 
manhood, and its manhood is dependent on the 
home. If we would have peace and happiness 
in our nation, we must first have peaceful, happy 
firesides. Fidelity and love should be implanted 
in the hearts of all children, and they should be as 
happy and joyous as the birds of the air, and 
should be allowed to grow and blossom as the 
flowers. But it takes sunshine and harmony to 
nurture these delicate flowers and not discord and 
strife. 

“Listen to me, to-day! The first and most im- 
portant work in our international reconstruction 
is to revive the sacredness of the family-life. 
The rights of the children to proper spiritual 
guidance should be of more importance than the 
selfish desires of parents. Our present marriage 
system has been weighed in the balance and found 
wanting. Our temporary ‘free love’ marriages 
have proven to be failures. The conviction, that 
easy divorce and temporary marriages are destruc- 
tive evils, has dawned on our people. Cynics may 
say that coercion in marriage causes immorality, 
and it would be better to let down the bars to di- 
vorce and make it easy for husband and wife to 
change their life-partners. 

“But listen to me, Christian people ! Crime is 
not eliminated by committing crime. 


268 


The Dawn of a New Era 


“Hear the words of Christ Himself: ‘Every 
one that putteth away his wife and marrieth an- 
other, committeth adultery, and he that marrieth 
her that is put away committeth adultery.’ Hear 
this also: ‘And if a woman shall put away her 
husband, and be married to another, she commit- 
teth adultery.’ I ask you, my friends, how many 
of you within hearing of my voice are defying 
God Almighty, and living in direct disobedience 
to this command? Could we even begin to count 
the number?” 

He stopped and eyed them keenly. He noticed 
several moved uneasily, and shifted their gaze 
from his face. 

“Can anything be more forceful than this: ‘If 
you love me you will keep my commandments,’ but 
the wrath of God cometh upon the children of 
disobedience. 

“Friends, one of the plainest and simplest com- 
mandments Christ gave us was concerning the 
marriage-relation. I don’t believe any legitimate 
body would intentionally make a law that would 
allow people to violate God’s laws, but often 
they neglect to read His laws, thereby disobeying 
them through ignorance. 

“Gentlemen ! Our noble Christian women, who 
have never before had a voice in the laws that 
govern them, have reminded us of God’s laws and 
our duties. The serpent has been writhing in an- 


The Dawn of a New Era 269 

guish since these women have made us realize that 
we have some very unwise and dangerous laws on 
our statute books, and that we must speedily erase 
them, for they are exactly contrary to God’s teach- 
ings. They demand that we make the marriage 
vow inviolate except for the one cause, fornica- 
tion, the only cause for which the Bible itself 
grants a permanent separation. But, they realize 
the necessity of allowing many partial separa- 
tions. They also demand that we repeal the stat- 
ute allowing divorced persons to remarry, thereby 
taking temptation out of the paths of these guilty 
parties. Still another demand of theirs is that we 
follow the example of Ezra of old and annul all 
these unholy unions that have put such a crimson 
stain on our land and all other lands. They be- 
seech us to make this crime a penitentiary offence, 
and fix the term of imprisonment for both man 
and woman at not less than five nor more than 
twenty-five years. They advise that the nation 
take care of these precious children that have 
sprung from these temporary alliances, but they 
request that the courts grant the reformed moth- 
ers the privilege of rearing their own children. 
Christ’s laws seem hard toward evil doers, only 
because they are helpful to all humanity. 

“We realize now, my friends, that Christ’s 
spirit has stirred up conditions and customs that 
were supposed to be forever fixed. The old order 


270 The Dawn of a New Era 

of things has gone. Our home-life must be made 
over on new Christian plans. Let us not blame 
our government for allowing these sinful unions, 
but rather ourselves, we people who create these 
conditions. When Christ was asked, why Moses 
allowed such things in his time, He said it was be- 
cause of the hardness of the people’s hearts that he 
suffered these things. 

“Now listen to these stern commands of our 
Lord: ‘If thine eye offend thee, pluck it out,’ and 
this dreadful evil is destroying not only our men 
and women, but our helpless little ones. 

“But, my dear women, hear me ! This iniquity 
can never be ‘plucked out’ by legislation alone, 
nor will education and proper environment be 
able to withstand this sin that has so gripped our 
country, although they are very important instru- 
ments in the Physician’s hands. 

“Ladies and gentlemen! I have studied the na- 
ture of sin. Sin is like disease, it steals into your 
system unawares, and then breaks out on you in 
different forms. There are some very contagious 
diseases, and some are very fatal. Although our 
beloved country has been blessed with a good, 
sound constitution, she has been stricken with 
some very loathsome maladies. She has been able 
to relieve some of these with external remedies : 
but in recent years a very fatal virus has devel- 
oped, that is poisoning the life-blood of our peo- 


The Dawn of a New Era 271 

pie. This impure blood has caused a hardness of 
the people’s hearts. This disease is thought by a 
great many to be incurable, but, men and women, 
we have found a sure cure.” 

He stopped and looked longingly at his audi- 
ence. “There is a great Physician, who, if ap- 
pealed to, can cure even this affliction. His pre- 
scription is to purify the blood by putting His 
spirit into the heart, the fountain that furnishes 
the blood for the entire body. His medicine is 
labeled Love. This wonderful cure warms and 
softens the heart. It generates a mighty healing 
power for all sins, and, if we can get the Christ 
spirit into the homes of America, it will flow out 
to all humanity. If we can get this spirit into our 
family-life, our childern will want to obey their 
parents, and our parents will want to obey Christ’s 
commands. This and this only will cure our mar- 
riage immorality.” 

He stopped and eyed them keenly; he noticed 
that several moved uneasily. 

“Our law makers are not entirely to blame for 
this wickedness. There is the guilty affection, that 
many confess they cannot control. Many of our 
modern romances so clothe this ‘impure love’ with 
pure white wool, that often we mistake the dragon 
for a gentle little lamb. Those who possess this 
weak moral nature, are not the unselfish, Christian 
characters, but the selfish or ignorant people. 


272 The Dawn of a New Era 

Laws can stop the adultrous marriages, but Chris- 
tianity is the only cure for the adultrous love. 
While some of these seemingly, innocent persons 
are very religious, they are not Christians, for 
they are not followers of Christ. They are like 
the woman of Sychar, very devoted to religion, 
but deficient in morality. While there are many 
forms of religion, there is only one form of 
Christianity, and that is Christ.” 

Meanwhile, the astounded audience had begun 
to converse in whispers, occasionally speaking 
aloud, in their excitement and protestation. With 
one long sweep of his arm, the Senator had their 
attention again. 

“Jeremiah has told us how God considers this 
form of adultery in the following passages of 
scripture : 

“ ‘How shall I pardon thee for this? Thy 
children have forsaken me, and sworn by them 
that are no gods : when I had fed them to the full, 
they then committed adultery and assembled them- 
selves by troops in the harlot’s house.’ They were 
as fed horses in the morning: every one neighed 
after his neighbor’s wife. Shall I not visit for 
these things? saith the Lord, and shall not my soul 
be avenged on such a nation as this?’ 

“Heed the Lord’s word again: ‘As the fire 
devoureth the stubble and the flame consumeth 


The Dawn of a New Era 273 

the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and 
their blossom shall go up as dust/ 

“Why?” He turned with quick decision to the 
grave, silent senators and congressmen seated 
about him, and spoke in low, determined tones: 
“ ‘Because they have cast away the law of the 
Lord of hosts and despised the Word of the holy 
one of Israel.’ Some may think they can cast 
away the law of Christ and not be held account- 
able; and satan may repeat his: ‘thou shalt not 
surely die.’ But the individual or nation that de- 
liberately disobeys our Lord’s commands shall 
surely die the death of sin.” 

The audience had been worked up to such a 
pitch of intense excitement that a smothered cry, 
bursting from a choking throat, could be heard 
at intervals. 

“The demon has been stirred in some of these 
guilty people,” he said in a deep voice. “We are 
about to enter the most stupendous struggle in 
human history, and we will need the help and co- 
operation of the law, the church, and all organ- 
ized womanhood, in order to conquer these de- 
mons. The world has never witnessed such an- 
tagonism as will confront this war against these 
unholy civil unions. But, God will send a strong 
East wind, that will open the sea of opposition, 
and we shall receive the great deliverance. Wars 


274 The Dawn of a New Era 

and pestilences always precede great deliver- 
ances. ,, 

He continued with deep feeling: “The four 
years of struggle between life and death have re- 
sulted in a world of graves, but this cross had to 
come to awaken us. We were compelled to bow 
in humility and penitence before we could have a 
resurrected humanity. We have had our cross, 
but the cross points to the open grave and to the 
resurrected humanity. We have had our cross, 
a re-birth, a new life. Before the reconstruction 
must come a regeneration. 

Although the world has been in the darkest 
hours of its history, remember that the 
darkest hours are just before the dawn. Dark- 
ness always flees before light, and the 
light of God’s glorious Son is appearing. The 
dawn of the bright day is here. We are waking 
— waking to new ideals, new hopes and new plans. 
All the world has been looking forward to this 
day. Let us be up and doing. Lead us, oh, noble 
women, and we will follow. Although the burden 
of sin has rested on your shoulders, you have 
fought Satan with more zeal and perseverance 
than we have. You have borne persecutions, so- 
cial wrongs, and even nature herself has seemed 
to be against you. Still you have kept your loy- 
alty to God. It must have been this loyalty that 
inspired the poet, when he wrote this beautiful lit- 


The Dawn of a New Era 275 

tie poem.” His eyes were moist with tears as he 
recited in tones of deep pathos and meaning: 

“ ‘The bravest battle that ever was fought — 
Shall I tell you where and when? 

On the maps of the world you will find it not. 
’Twas fought by the mothers of men. 

“ ‘Nay, not with cannon or battle shot, 

With sword, or nobler pen; 

Nay, not with eloquent word or thought, 

From mouths of wonderful men. 

“ ‘But deep in a walled-up woman’s heart — 
Of woman that would not yield, 

But bravely, silently bore her part — 

Lo ! there is that battle-field ! 

“ ‘No marshalling troop, no bivouac song; 

No banners to gleam and wave! 

But oh ! these battles they last so long — 

From babyhood to the grave! 

“ ‘Yet faithful still as a bridge of stars, 

She fights in her walled-up town — 

Fights on, and on, in the endless wars, 

Then silent, unseen goes down! 


276 The Dawn of a New Era 

“ ‘Oh! ye banners and battle-shot, 

And soldiers to shout and praise, 

I tell you the kingliest battles fought 
Are fought in these silent ways! 

“ ‘Oh I spotless women in a world of shame, 
With splendid and silent scorn, 

Go back to God as white as you came, 

The knightliest warrior bom.’ ” 

Tears glistened in the eyes of the hardest- 
hearted when he had finished. 

“Gentlemen, hear me! These are the women 
that are bruising the serpent’s head, these are the 
women that are keeping the commandments of 
God. 

“Men, I entreat you, let us join this army of 
Christian women? Let us shoulder our part of 
the responsibilities, and help the Woman’s Chris- 
tian Marriage Union to bring peace and happiness 
to those who have been in distress and despair. 

“Let us hear the words of St. Paul, ‘The night 
is far spent; the day is at hand. Let us there- 
fore cast off the works of darkness, and let us 
put on the armor of light.’ ” 

“Hear me, men! Let us no longer remain in 
the trenches, but get out on the firing line. Though 
Satan is fighting in his thousands of ways to 
crush this mighty spiritual uprising, all of his 


The Dawn of a New Era 277 

powerful resisting forces are giving way before 
Christ and His army. 

“There is a great, final conflict on between 
the powers of light and the powers of darkness. 
It is Christ against the world. The devil has as- 
sembled his millions for this last great struggle, 
but Christ, the king of glory, the Lord mighty in 
battle, is leading the hosts of righteousness, and 
Satan will no more conquer now, with his thous- 
ands of years of experience, than he did when he 
revolted in heaven long ago, and fought the angels 
of the Lord for supremacy there. For God has 
told us that ‘every knee shall bow to Him and 
every tongue shall confess. He shall be exalted 
among the heathen. He shall be exalted in the 
earth.’ The rays of his Almighty Son will pene- 
trate not only to the uttermost parts of the civil- 
ized world, but into the entire heathen world also 
— Tor as the earth bringeth forth the bud, and 
as the garden causeth the things that are sown 
in it to spring forth, so the Lord God will cause 
righteousness and praise to spring before all na- 
tions.’ ‘For there is no power but of God.’ ‘All 
nations before Him are as nothing, and they are 
counted to Him as less than nothing, and van- 
ity.’ ‘The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness 
thereof.’ ‘Yea; all kings shall fall down before 
Him; all nations shall serve Him.’ ‘Kings of the 
earth and all people; princes and all judges of the 


278 The Dawn of a New Era 

earth; both young men and maidens, old men and 
children — let them praise the name of the Lord, 
for His name alone is excellent; His glory is above 
the earth and heaven!’” he ended in burning 
tones, and stepping quietly from the platform, 
took his seat, confident that a movement had been 
started that was to bring about the Dawn of a 
New Era. 










































































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